Stewardship

The Mission of Stewardship is to:

 

  •  Recognize that all that we have is a gift from God; and

  • That we are stewards of God's abundant gifts to us;

 

So that we may:

 

  • Generously share God's gifts and;

  • Move toward a closer personal relationship with God and others by embracing our spiritual need to give to God and others of our time, talents and treasures.

 

Feasibility Study Report

In our Parish Hall Renovation process,  our consulting firm, the Episcopal Church Foundation, has submitted the Feasibility Study Report to the Vestry.  Click here to read the recommendations, analysis and conclusions (23 pages).  A paper copy of the full report (70 pages) is available in the church office.  Please contact Carolyn Chilton to stop by and read it. 

 

Annual Giving - "Generations of Generosity"

   The theme for this year’s stewardship campaign is “Generations of Generosity.” As you remember those who have taught you about generosity – family, friends, and mentors – we ask that you also remember the importance of places like Grace and Holy Trinity Church. It is here that relationships are built and nurtured. It is here where community and fellowship are celebrated. It is here where worship feeds our souls and where other souls are fed.

   When we give of our time, talent and financial resources we receive back much more than we give. Giving turns around and becomes a blessing. Pledging and giving are an encounter with Jesus. It is a matter of saying, in a pledge, ‘Yes Lord, I will do this.” As each of us gives, we reap the benefits of generosity and faith. We grow closer to God. It is that simple.

   Our 2013 Annual Campaign is on-going and we welcome pledges at any time of the year.   Below you will find resources to help you in your prayers and decisions. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pledging

Do you have questions about pledging?  Maybe you wonder what it   means to make a financial pledge?  Or, how is my money used?  Who should pledge?  How and when do I make a pledge?  Click  here to get the answers.

 

 

Will You Move Up One Step in Your Annual Giving?

This chart gives you a picture of the 2012 pledge pattern at Grace and Holy Trinity Church.  You can find where you are in your weekly giving percentage and then give prayerful consideration to moving up one step.  The standard of giving in the Episcopal Church is 10% of our income or a tithe, although you may need to start more modestly.  Regardless, proportionate giving -giving a set percentage of our income to further God's work in the world- can be very helpful.  The goal at GHTC is that everyone will make a pledge.  This is a first and important step for each of us on the path of gratitude and generosity.

 

Percentage Giving Chart

The standard of giving in the Episcopal Church is 10% of our income, the tithe.  For many proportional giving - giving a set percentage of our income back to God for God's work - can be very helpful.  This  chart will help you calculate your proportional giving. 

 

Please Follow this Link for Your 2013 Pledge Card

 

What Are the Different Ways to Pay my Pledge?

   You can pay your pledge by putting checks in the collection plate on Sunday.  Pledge envelopes are available and you can request those when you fill out your pledge card.  You may also mail checks to the church: Grace & Holy Trinity Church 8 North Laurel Street Richmond VA 23220 ATTN:  Judy Miller

   If you'd like to pay electronically you can set up a direct bill pay via the online bill pay services of your bank.  This is the electronic equivalent of writing a check.  The contact details you  need to set up the church as an online bill pay account with your own bank are: Grace & Holy Trinity Church 8 N. Laurel St., Richmond VA 23220 804-359-5628.  If you have never used this service before, simply go to your bank's web page and click on a tab for online banking services or online bill pay. You will then be walked through the set up.  Or contact Judy Miller at the church and she will help you set this up.

 

Giving Your Time and Talents: Making A Difference in the World

   Volunteers at GHTC make a difference in the lives of people in the Richmond area,  across Virginia and the United States, around the world and right here in our own church.  Your life will   be changed and enriched by the fellowship and by helping others.  We have volunteer jobs that take an hour or so a week or a month to mission trips that last 10 days.  Some involve direct contact with those we serve, others are behind the scenes, and other serve our church community through our worship, education, fellowship and pastoral care.  Carolyn Chilton our Assistant for Evangelism and Stewardship will be glad to help connect you with a ministry that would be fulfilling for you.  All other staff members would be glad to talk with you as well and help point you in the right direction.    Click here to read about more specific information  ways to be involved.

 

The Gifts of Your Time, Talents and Treasure  Make Things Happen at GHTC!

Did you know that because of your gifts:

  • More than 45 VCU students are involved in our Campus Ministry program each week.

  • We've taken 6 mission teams to Belize serving hundreds of people?

  • Our youth are able to go on a special fellowship outing once a month, in addition to their regular Christian education classes?

  • We feed over 4000 people each year in the Friday soup kitchen?

  • Worship is provided four times each Sunday and three of those services  include music?

  • Over 70 people are involved in our choirs?

  • We are the host rehearsal site of the Greater Richmond Children's Choir every  week, as well as AA and other service groups?

 

These are just a few of the many programs and services that you make possible through the generous gift of your time, talent and treasure.  Thank you!

 

 

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 Planned Giving - Stewardship for the Future

 

Planning Your Funeral and Writing a Will

Everyone should have an up-to-date will.  To download an informative booklet to help you follow this link.

 

Legacy Giving at Grace and Holy Trinity Church

   In our lives we respond to the call of God in a variety of ways as we support God's work with our time, talent and treasure.  Through planned giving we can continue this support for future generations.  GHTC welcomes a variety of gifts, tailored to support your vision as a donor.  These include remembering GHTC in your will through outright lifetime gifts of cash, securities or other valuables; charitable gift annuities; charitable remainder trusts; charitable lead trusts; life insurance policies; retirement plan benefits and IRAs.    Within GHTC, you may make a gift to:

 

  • The Grace and Holy Trinity Endowment Fund

The Endowment Fund was incorporated in 1947 for such uses of the Church and the Board of Trustees of the Endowment Fund may determine, including preservation or improvement of the Church property and furnishings, for support of its operations and maintenance, for its religious, charitable and benevolent uses, and to such other works of charity and benevolence as it may undertake. The assets of the endowment fund are currently about $5,000,000.  Gifts to the Fund enable GHTC to continue to be a spiritual presence in Richmond. 

 

  • The Twenty-First Century Fund

Founded in 2006, this Fund was begun upon the reception of an anonymous gift to the parish.  Like your pledge, the purpose of the Fund is to support the on-going ministries and operations of the Church.  The funds are allocated by the Vestry and under their control.  The funds are managed by the Trustees of the Endowment.  The Vestry may use no more than 5% of the value of the Twenty-First Century Fund in any calendar year.

 

  • A Designated Fund of the Parish

A gift which names GHTC as the recipient may be directed to a specific ministry such as outreach or education.

 

  • The Unrestricted Funds of the Parish

A gift which names GHTC as the recipient but with no restrictions is held at the discretion of the Vestry.  Traditionally, the Vestry has placed half of such gifts in a fund for major repairs and the other half in a fund to be used in a variety of ways to support the work of the parish.

 

To see a pdf which gives thanks for those who have remembered this Church in their will, please click here.

 

Please contact Carolyn Chilton or the Rev. Bo Millner for more information.  We welcome the opportunity to sit down with you and discuss the planned giving options that are best for you.