"From God every family in heaven and on earth is named.

Ephesians 3:15 

 

From God, Every Family in Heaven and on Earth is Named!

 

As Orthodox Christians, we are stewards of our Church family – those with whom we worship, fellowship and serve the community. In the same way that we care for our immediate family, we also care for our Christian family. Fr Alexander explains that in the early church, the Eucharistic sacrifice was offered by all the members of the church. Each person coming to the gathering of the Church brought with them everything they could spare for the needs of the Church. This is the Church that we as Orthodox Christians claim to be.

 

Jesus instructed His disciples, "I Am the Vine; you are the branches."  The purpose of our abiding in Him is that we may bear fruit for God in the world.  Just as the vine bears fruit only through its branches, so Jesus has chosen to work in the world through us.  We are the members of His body - the branches.  We bear fruit when we serve and support God and His Church.

 

 

CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP IS...

 

• Learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ's Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God.

• Our active commitment to use all our time, talent, and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgment of Christ's redeeming love.

• Caring for the needs of others.

• Offering one's self to God as He offered Himself to us.

• What a person does after saying "I believe...", as proof of that belief

• Devotion and service of God and His Church as persons, as families, as diocese/metropolis, as national Church and as Church universal.

 

 

TREASURE

 

In making your pledge, I am aware that it takes over $50 per week per steward to meet the yearly operational expenses of St. Sophia (*our annual operating budget of $415,000 divided by 154 pledging stewards). Please take into account St. Sophia's financial needs as you prayerfully consider your 2013 pledge to our Cathedral.

 

Downloadable Stewardship Card

 

PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!

 

 

FAQs

 

How do I become a member of the parish?

 

Membership in the Orthodox Church begins at baptism (Chrismation for some) and continues throughout our life.  We are united with Christ through the sacraments, or mysteries, of the Church and through our faithful offering of our entire selves to Jesus Christ.  Our Archdiocese requires each parish to distinguish between voting members and non-voting members.  A voting member is over 18 years of age and turns in a signed stewardship commitment card, committing a portion of time, talent, and treasure to the Church.  The Archdiocese also requires the voting member to remain current through the year on their commitments.  Keep in mind that true membership in the Body of Christ involves living according to his word and within His Church.

 

 

Why must I commit to give a specific amount?

 

Please keep in mind that your stewardship of money is kept in the strictest of confidence.  However, we do compile the amounts anticipated to better plan our budget.

 

What if I cannot fulfill my stewardship commitment?

 

During the course of a year, people's circumstances change.  Your stewardship is valued because it is made out of your love for God and His Church.  Please do not be concerned if you are unable to meet your stewardship commitment - we are glad you are a part of this parish.  Just please call to let us know.

 

 

DOWNLOAD the Quick Start Guide as a PDF document. 22015 STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY HANDBOOK