Entrusted  Stewardship Newsletter                      
GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH  |   SEPTEMBER 14, 2016
Entrusted Newsletter Launched!  
You are reading Grace's newest communication,  Entrusted , the stewardship e-newsletter.  The newsletter will be sent weekly during our annual pledge drive, which will run through November 13.  The newsletter is titled  Entrusted, because that name captures the essence of true stewardship - that we are stewards for all that God has given to us.  We have been "entrusted."

The newsletter will include features and news about and opportunities for stewardship at Grace Church.  Stewardship is, of course, about more than just financial giving and pledges.  We are stewards for all of our gifts, abilities, and resources, and there are many ways that we may be good stewards through our service and worship at Grace.

We hope that you will read and enjoy these issues of entrusted year-round and that you will give us your feedback.  
Stewardship Committee:
Edith Snider, Chair
Skeeter Makepeace
Wayne Smith
Albert Howell
Annual Pledge Drive Begins
Stewardship traditionally encompasses several facets of our accountability for the gifts that God gives to us: Time, Talent & Treasure.

Grace has now launched our annual pledge campaign, part of our stewardship efforts.  This year's theme is "Grounded in Grace, Growing in Giving."  It is time to prayerfully consider how we can share our "treasure" in support of Christ and how we can financially support the ministries and worship of our congregation.  Click here for more information on how to give and receive a pledge card.
Progress Report
We'll use these updated graphics to keep you informed each week of our progress on the pledge drive. 

2017 PLEDGE DRIVE TOTALS AS OF 9/14/16:
30 Pledging Units* (23% of 130 Pledging Unit Goal)
$81,935 (20$ of $400,000 Goal)

* A pledging unit may be defined as one pledging family or household, including singles!
DOLLARS
(GOAL: $400,000)
PLEDGERS
(GOAL:  130 Pledging Units)
Jesus and Stewards
Jesus told several parables in which he used stewardship as metaphor for how his kingdom operates.  Each parable ends with the steward giving account of what he had done with the master's property.  In the same way, we are stewards of everything we have been given, including our time, money, abilities, information, wisdom, relationships, and authority.  And we will all give account to the rightful owner as to how well we managed the things he has entrusted to us.  
STEWARDSHIP MOMENT:
Will Benson
 The most wonderful experience I have had at Grace Church was our 50th Anniversary Eucharist. Seeing so many former rectors, priests, deacons ad parishioners from so many years there standing around the altar and in the pews was an incredible moment in time. Seeing so many different faces of Grace but knowing they were all the face of God was so very special. As the choir was processing out at the end of the service as all sang, "Lift High The Cross", I was so teared up that I couldn't read the hymnal and I was so choked up that I couldn't make a musical sound.