Stewardship season 2025-2026



“Good works, with God’s love”



November 1, 2025

 

Dear Christ Church Family,


I am so grateful to say, here we are again, entering our new stewardship season. Our theme this year is “Good works, with God’s love.” Our commitment to this community, to our ministries, to our work in this world and, God’s love - this is what sustains us.

 

We are indeed blessed. Take a moment to look around. We see old and treasured friends in the pews and some fresh faces for which we are so grateful. Work on the cemetery and the grounds has been completed this year, and we are anticipating more improvements for the historic church and, in the newer building, some upgrades to our sound system. Our ongoing and year-round outreach and commitment to those in need is a priority and the traditions and work that bind us continue to hold strong and steadfast.

 

Certainly, Rev Cathy leading us spiritually and pastorally tops the list of Christ Church blessings of this year. She has brought so much love and togetherness to our Christ Church Family; her ministry is a gift to us in countless ways. She has also given us the precious gift of time. Time to sharpen our focus to growing our beloved church that has stood on Kings Highway for 300 years and to prepare us, financially and spiritually, for a future beyond her tenure. Our 2026 mission is clear, our successes are thanks to God, our prayers and the generous sharing of your time, your considerable talents, and your treasure. Your continued support is essential.

 

Thank you to all who have pledged in the past. If you have not pledged before, please consider pledging this year. If you have any questions about our finances, please ask one of our Wardens or Joe McDonnell – they are all happy to assist you. If you have any questions about your past or current pledge, please reach out to our Pledge Treasurer, Kristin Sparaco. Kindly bring the enclosed pledge card to the Church on any Sunday and place it on the collection plate. If you prefer to send in your pledge, please use the enclosed envelope. This year’s stewardship drive ends on November 23rd, and a special celebration is being planned for after the 10 am service. I hope you will be able to join us.

 

With gratitude and thanks to all,

 

 

Linda Barth

StewardshipDear Christ

stewardship FAQ


  • What’s Stewardship? (from the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey)

https://dioceseofnj.org/project-resource/#stewardship-reveal

  • Just what do we mean by “Stewardship”? At the Offertory, when the gifts of bread, wine and alms are lifted up to God in thanksgiving, we often respond by singing “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Well, Stewardship is how we live out our praise. It’s how we put our praise and thanksgiving into concrete action in our lives and in the world. Stewardship is how we integrate what we say and what we believe with what we do and how we live. Stewardship is recognizing and acting upon our understanding that all things come from God. 
  • In the Episcopal Church, we often speak of Stewardship as the ways we share our time, talent, and treasure within our congregations and our communities. We use these grace-filled and God-given gifts to carry out the mission and ministry God has entrusted to us. 

What is a Pledge?

A pledge is your best estimate of what you will be able to give financially to the church over a specific time. Pledging is also a spiritual discipline, which invites people to prayerfully consider what

they give in proportion to what they receive. It is a financial commitment through which you are spiritually enriched.

I already put money in the Plate—do I have to pledge as well?


Ideally you do both—pledge annually and make a plate offering weekly.  While both contribute to the financial health of the church, they serve somewhat different purposes. Loose offerings in the plate help to support our ministries; as “gifts” rather than financial commitments to the church. Nevertheless, these gifts serve to improve our ability to carry out mission in our community; and each penny received in the plate enables us to do more of God’s work!

Pledging, however, allows the Vestry to budget—to pay the churches expenses and to forecast the monies available for ministries. Thus, by pledging you will support the church’s efforts to sustain our ministries, programs, and day-to-day operations.

 




What does Christ Church Mean to you?

We will have special speakers at the services during Stewardship Season to tell you all about what Christ Church means to them and how our church family has impacted their lives.