While we often refer to a "Stewardship Season," the activities of stewardship are available to you year-round! Consider proposing a new ministry, renewing a pledge commitment, or offering your unique talents to support ongoing Redeemer activities in 2025. See more information below.

February 2, 2025



Dear Fellow Redeemerites,

     I have been with Redeemer (and Redeemer with me) for more than eleven years now and the “shine” has not tarnished or diminished in the least. On the contrary, in the current time we live, Redeemer has become exponentially more important in keeping me grounded in hope. For me, Redeemer is a beacon of sanity in a world gone mad. I suppose it’s thoroughly ironic that today is Groundhog Day.

     We all have our own personal reasons why we cherish Redeemer: the very inclusive language, the encouragement of families and children (growing up in the '60s in the Catholic church, I would rather have gone to the doctor to get shots than attend church); our courage to address tough community issues—gun control, addiction, homelessness, hunger, LGBTQ rights (aka: human rights); the beauty of our historic buildings and campus. All of these and more, make Redeemer the unique experience it is. You can undoubtedly add many more of your own reasons to the list.

     For some time Debi and I belonged to a church that was no longer spiritually nurturing us and we wanted to find one that was. I was at the point where I really didn’t care if I went back to church at all, but since it provided a chance to spend time with the love of my life, I was interested in at least trying to find a new church home that was more than just a chore to attend on Sunday morning. We had been to Redeemer on occasion, so it was on our list. My mindset was that we were just going to check Redeemer out—no decision-making—just check it out. So we did—and for whatever reason, or combination of reasons, Redeemer felt like the inclusive, welcoming spiritual home I had been looking for (even though I didn’t realize just how much I needed it) and we decided then and there we were joining. Eventually that entailed becoming pledging members to help Redeemer in its mission. The rest, as they say, is history (and herstory).

     All this magic does not happen on its own, or even particularly easily. It requires people to contribute their time, treasure, and talent. Living in New Jersey doesn’t always leave us much treasure, so I’ve found that just making small, steady increases year over year is a way I’ve been able to do more with what I have. It is upon the pledges Redeemer receives that the coming year’s programs are determined. Our beautiful, historic buildings are now over one hundred years old and require not only regular maintenance but deeper and sometimes structural help.

     Let’s talk about time & talent a little bit. We are intentional about opening our doors to the community—it’s part of our radical hospitality: the Morristown Festival of Books, First Night Morris, and many events that have affected the community over the years. All of these events require a team of parishioners to welcome people, point them to restrooms, and offer refreshments (as a GreenFaith-certified parish we do not use disposable water bottles). 

     I know that many of you travel some distance to get to this wonderful place and since the pandemic, many more Zoom in remotely. Whatever the distance, whether in person or online, we hope you will choose one of the ministries that make our worship services uplifting and meaningful for everyone: Altar Guild, Tech Team (to bring Redeemer to those who cannot be there because of physical limitations [distance or other], Service Assistants, Readers, Ushers, Greeters, Hospitality (Coffee Hour). A truly vast list of roles to do every Sunday—but ones that, when we all pitch in, make our worship the unique, creative, and inspirational experience that it is.

     As we currently only have Lay leadership, it is crucial that we all pitch in whatever way we can. If you have special talents that you believe would benefit Redeemer, please talk to me, or any Vestry member. Please prayerfully consider what you can do to contribute to the legacy of Church of the Redeemer—not only monetarily (which is critically important, of course), but also with your time and your talent. We are blessed with such a wonderful and unique community—let’s continue to make it our priority for 2025!

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Yours in Faith,

Brian Malcolm

Warden

So, how can you support Redeemer? Stewardship comes in many forms; in addition to financial commitments (which are certainly important and helpful), it is a great way to follow your passions and flex your unique skills to support our community. Do you have a great public speaking presence, do you know QuickBooks, do you want to help monitor Zoom during the service? We would encourage you to do what feels best for you. For more information about each existing Redeemer Stewardship Ministry, please click this 2025 Description of Ministries link here.

In our nation's current social, and especially political, climate, building community is essential for supporting each other. If you are interested in helping Redeemer provide a safe, accessible, and equitable spiritual home for all who seek it (in-person or online), please click the link below to review and sign a pledge card. We look forward to hearing from you and we appreciate your support! 

Our lives are better because of Redeemer, but Redeemer needs all of us, too.

New! Make your financial and ministry commitments online!

For the last few years, we've been asked for a way to make our financial and ministry commitments digitally/online. Many find this easier, more environmentally friendly, and more accessible. You will find an online pledge card at Redeemer Pledge 2025 where you can make your 2025 financial and ministry commitments easily and securely. For those who prefer paper, we still have paper commitment cards, and can send one to you based on your preference. If you would like to have a pledge card and Description of Ministries mailed to you, please contact Sandra at office@redeemermorristown.org

Helpful information for understanding some of the theology and "mechanics" of giving

Why is pledging important?

Annual pledges support everything Redeemer does—they are a part of the practice of generosity and stewardship that undergirds our parish life. Our yearly budget is driven by the generosity of our parishioners through annual pledges. These pledges support the operating costs of our ministry programs as well as our staff, including expenses such as buildings and grounds, worship, Sunday school materials, and outreach. And—bonus—if you live nearby you can have a parking hang tag so that you can park at Redeemer when you are in Morristown during the week.

Why should I pledge when I regularly give money online or on the offering plate?

Pledges are what make it possible for us to plan for our ministries and things like building maintenance. Pledges are the way that we establish our budget. Funds collected in the offering plate or online (when not designated as a pledge) are an additional source of support for the ongoing life of the parish, but anticipating (and therefore, budgeting) how much we will receive is not possible unless we can anticipate your annual commitment.

How much should I give with an annual pledge?

We believe strongly that our standard of giving should reflect our standard of living. We ask each parishioner to consider making a pledge that is both responsible and significant based on their financial situation. 

Where do I start?

If you have never pledged before, start somewhere that is both realistic and stretches you. You may find that giving electronically makes it easier for you to honor your commitment, as the amount is deducted (or charged/debited) automatically according to the frequency you determine (e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.). As you are able, increase your pledge over time. As a spiritual discipline, stewardship can be enormously gratifying.

What do faith and money have to do with each other?

Just as all that we have (from our bodies to our relationships to our more tangible “things”) is a gift from God, what we do with our finances reflects our understanding of God’s generosity. Where your heart is, there your treasure will be also. Gratitude is a spiritual practice that not only is good for us—it’s almost impossible to feel bad and grateful at the same time!

What does it mean to give proportionately? I’ve heard of “tithing”—what’s that?

Proportional giving is based on the premise that the first fruits are given back to God in grateful response to what God has given us. It refers to a conscious effort to determine an appropriate level of giving. We ask each member of Redeemer to consider making a pledge in proportion to their income. Tithing is both the teaching of the Episcopal Church and a biblical norm to give 10 percent of one's income. Its origin is found in Hebrew scripture.

How can I pay my annual pledge?

We accept cash (when included in a pledge envelope so that it can be appropriately credited to your pledge, and given in person), checks, credit and debit cards, as well as gifts of stock and other securities. Pledge envelopes are provided upon request for convenience, but are not essential if you are writing a check (simply mark "2025 Pledge" in the memo line). You may also pay online through your bank, or by signing up to use the secure service we provide on our website, called Vanco.

How do I set up electronic giving?

Go to http://tinyurl.com/RedeemerDonateNow. Click on the “General Operating Fund” tile and then choose the amount you would like to give, the frequency, and when you would like your contribution to begin. If you want this to be counted as a pledge, please put “Pledge” in the note and then click “Add to Basket.” After this, you will click “Continue to payment” and be taken to a page that will ask for various secure details—contact information, credit card or bank info, etc. Any information you include here will be known only to you and we cannot retrieve it for you. When finished, click “Continue to review,” review the details to make sure that everything is as you wish, and then “Process.” Once you click “process” your weekly or monthly offerings will begin on the day that you determined. If you haven’t filled out an online pledge card please fill out a paper one so that we know what your commitment will be for 2025.

What happens if I make a pledge and can’t sustain it?

We understand that life happens. If you aren’t able to keep up with your pledge it would help us out enormously if you would let the treasurer or Rector know.

Do I have to pay when I pledge? Can I pay in installments? How can I keep track of how much I’ve given?

Making a pledge/financial commitment is simply a promise to pay. You make your pledge and you fulfill your pledge in as many payments as you wish throughout the year 2025. You will receive quarterly reminders about your payments and a year-end statement for your charitable donation for tax purposes.

I'm not sure what I can afford this year. How can I pledge?

A pledge can be adjusted at any point during the year if your circumstances change. We suggest that you pledge responsibly, based on your best estimate of the year's income. A pledge can be increased or decreased if your circumstances change. You can also call the office at any time to inquire about the status of your pledge.

Do we receive financial assistance from the Diocese?

As one of the 90+ congregations in the Diocese of Newark, we are proud to do our part to support the programs of the diocese. We receive no assistance from them. Just as our members pledge to Redeemer, Redeemer in turn makes a pledge to the Diocese of Newark, which further makes a pledge to the Episcopal Church. Being part of a denomination that is larger than ourselves carries both responsibilities and benefits.

Do we have investments? An endowment? Does that take care of us?

Yes, we have investments—all are held in a Fossil Fuel-Free portfolio. We have two restricted endowments: The Vision Endowment Fund that can be used to support new initiatives, and the Brinley Trust (updates on these respective values to come soon). Our remaining assets are not an endowment, per se, but do generate income and dividends each year which are used to augment our budget.

How can I put Redeemer in my will?

This is a generous way to provide for our future, in the same way our ancestors have made it possible for Redeemer to be here now. We are happy to help you with information about making a bequest. Please let the office know of your interest.

What can I do besides give money?

Stewardship is NOT only about money, and there are many ways to be involved in the ministries of Redeemer. Can you imagine if we had no one assisting in worship ministries (e.g., reading, Tech Team, etc.) and no one volunteering in our outreach efforts? In a congregation our size, we depend on the generosity of everyone’s treasure and time to keep us being the wonderful congregation we are, and one that has such an impact for its members around the globe!

Easily make your financial and ministry commitments online!

By clicking this link Redeemer Redeemer Pledge 2025 you will be taken to an online form that has all of the same information that you would have on a paper pledge card (some browsers, depending on your anti-virus software, may flag this for phishing-- this happens because the pledge form asks for information, NOT because it is being handled in an unsecured way)-- information about your financial commitment for 2025, as well as your ministry commitments (want to sign up to be an usher, help with the garden, volunteer for the finance committee-- you can do it all here!). Once you submit it, it is only accessible by the Rector and Administrative Assistant, so your privacy is assured. There are reports that some browsers, depending on your anti-virus software, may flag this for phishing-- this happens because the pledge form asks for information, NOT because it is being handled in an insecure way. Questions? Please contact Sandra at office@redeemermorristown.org

What ministries might you participate in? Here are descriptions of the available ministries, below.

(Items noted with an asterisk* are appropriate for online/Zoom members; a printable pdf of the Description of Ministries is available here.)

WORSHIP

READER/PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE*

Responsibilities: Lead the Prayers of the People during the service. Read Scripture or Contemporary Lessons (online or in person). Readings are mailed out in advance and practiced before services.

ONLINE HOST*

Responsibilities: Welcome online worshippers, greeting each arrival and allowing all to participate in conversation if they choose; during coffee hour facilitate conversation so that all have equal access to share (if they choose), and allow a variety of voices to be heard.

USHER

Responsibilities: Direct people to a seat, direct movement of the congregation during the Eucharist, collect offerings and programs after the service, clean up, and close up after the service.

WORSHIP ASSISTANT

Responsibilities: Prepare the altar in advance for the Eucharist and clean up afterward; lead any processions by carrying the cross; aid the pastoral leaders throughout the service; during the Peace, set the table for the Eucharist; read the lesson(s) in the absence of one or more lectors.

TECH TEAM

Responsibilities: Operate cameras, sound equipment, computers, and Zoom during worship services that are broadcast. Maintain computers and computer security. Typically expected to arrive 45 minutes before the start of service.

GREETER/SAFETY TEAM

Responsibilities: Learn diocesan protocols about safety, greet individuals at the service, provide information to visitors, and ensure that parishioners are wearing masks appropriately. Must arrive one-half hour before the start of service. 

WORSHIP COMMITTEE*

Responsibilities: Review liturgies and worship practices, and make recommendations to Rector about changes and innovations. This is an advisory group; in the Episcopal Church, the Rector has final authority in this area. The Worship Committee meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

ALTAR GUILD

Responsibilities: Care for the altar, vestments, vessels, and altar linens of the parish. Altar Guild members prepare the sanctuary for services and clean up afterward. Altar Guild members may also supervise the decoration of the sanctuary (for example: arranging altar flowers and changing quilted seasonal flags).

PARISH/BUILDING ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT

OFFICE VOLUNTEER

      Responsibilities: Assist in the office when needed: answering phone, photocopying, preparing special mailings, collating and stapling worship booklets; and working on special projects for the Parish Administrator or Rector. Individuals must be available during weekday hours to serve in this ministry.

BUILDING COMMITTEE

      Responsibilities: Prioritize and make repairs and arrange for maintenance for the buildings and grounds.

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND OUTREACH

JUSTICE TEAM*

      Responsibilities: Provide focus and direction for Redeemer’s justice ministries, making a variety of opportunities available for in-person and online members.

GARDEN OF HOPE

Responsibilities: Prepare, maintain, and harvest Garden of Hope for the benefit of local feeding ministries.

EARTH MINISTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY

      Responsibilities: Seek ways to identify environmental concerns and then act on them both within and outside the parish. Provide leadership to the congregation about ways to reduce our footprint on the earth.

COMMUNITY CARE AND SUPPORT

SERENDIPITY STITCHERS

      Responsibilities: Meets weekly either in-person or online on Tuesday from 1:30- 3:00 PM in the parlor of the Parish House. Members of this group crochet and knit items for outreach projects, including scarves and hats for various feeding ministries. It is not necessary to know how to knit or crochet to join this group. We welcome newcomers with an interest in learning!

BOOK GROUP*

Responsibilities: The book group meets monthly by Zoom on the last Monday of the month and reads for pleasure. Members choose books to read and discuss.

PASTORAL CARE TEAM*

      Responsibilities: Provide various kinds of assistance to members of the congregation, including (as COVID positivity rates allow) home visits and home communion, transportation, meals, etc., as well as phone call and email support.

EMAIL PRAYER CHAIN*

      Responsibilities: include people in times of crisis and joy in your personal prayers. Prayer requests come through members of Redeemer and are distributed through e-mail. Prayer chain members believe in the power of prayer and keep all requests completely confidential.

OTHER

GRANT WRITING*

      Responsibilities: Research appropriate grants for non-profits/religious institutions, consult with the Rector, and apply.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

      Responsibilities: Review investments; advise the Rector, Treasurer, and Vestry about financial matters; ensure the annual audit is done in accordance with diocesan requirements.