2026 Annual Stewardship Campaign

As we journey together through this season of stewardship, I invite you to pause and consider the blessings that surround us. With grateful hearts, we acknowledge the grace of God that sustains us daily. With generous hands, we respond—offering our gifts and our love to build a church that reflects Christ’s compassion and hope.

Like prayer and the reading of scripture, stewardship is a religious devotion.  The discipline of giving yourself away is an exercise in piety.  One of the ironies of the gospel, and of the spiritual life, is that we are most alive when we give ourselves away.  Through giving, we come to understand and appreciate how much we have.  This year, I ask you to commit to St. John’s mission by making a financial pledge.

This year’s stewardship theme, Grateful Hearts, Generous Hands,  reminds us that gratitude is not passive; it stirs us to action. When we recognize all we’ve received, we are moved to share abundantly.  From sacred worship to outreach programs, from pastoral care to spiritual formation, your pledges empower us to be a church where all are seen, known, and loved.

I am often asked: how much am I to give? While this is a personal decision and all gifts are appreciated, the goal in the Episcopal Church is the title, which is a spiritual discipline of giving 10% of our income. I ask that you move closer to that goal this year.  If you have never pledged before, make this the year you start by making a pledge.  If you have pledged before but less than the tithe, increase your pledge, even if just by a small percentage.   By starting where you are, and gradually increasing each year, you will be moving toward the goal of tithing. You will find this spiritual practice to be fulfilling and exciting, for investing in the kingdom of God and this parish is a worthy mission.

I invite you to prayerfully consider your pledge this year.  May it be a reflection of your gratitude and a symbol of your hope for what we can accomplish together.  Let us finish 2025 strong and start 2026 with a firm foundation—rooted in faith, growing in generosity, and united in love.

Faithfully yours, 

Charles Hawkins
Rector