ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH, BOCA RATON

It is prayerfully suggested that each family consider donating $100 per month or $1,200 per year, and that all families increase their previous year's pledge by 20% thereafter!

 

What does the Bible say about Stewardship?

Give without show - "Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing." (Matt.6:3).

Give with regularity in proportion - "Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him." (I Cor. 16:2)

Give liberally - "He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully." (II Cor. 9:6)

Give cheerfully - "Let everyone give as his heart tells him, neither grudgingly, nor under compulsion, for God loves the man that gives cheerfully." (II Cor. 9:7)

Who is the Church?

The Church is you, your family and your relatives. The Church is all of us together. The Church is people who have a common spiritual and religious bond. The bond is Jesus Christ our Lord. Thus, the Church is the body of Christ. Our Church is the body of believing Orthodox Christians throughout the world; and it is our local congregation of believing Orthodox Christians.

difference in Church Membership: PLEDGED vs. NON-PLEDGED MEMBERSHIP

Pledged members commit, in writing, that they will contribute a sum certain each Sunday or month or year.  A pledged member in good standing (up to date on pledged donations and in canonical good standing) are eligible to vote and/or serve as Council Members.

Non-pledged members are those who are have visited and/or offered generous gifts but not have  committed to regular giving in writing.   Non-pledged members are warmly welcomed to worship and enjoy fellowship, but can only vote and/or become Council Members upon providing a commitment in writing to contribute a sum certain each Sunday or month or year and otherwise be in good standing. 

How do I become a  member?  IF YOU ARE NOT ATTACHED TO ANY LOCAL ORTHODOX CHURCH...SIMPLY fill out a pledge form and decide on whether you wiSH TO Be a pledged MEMBER, or non-pledged member.

Who is included in the Stewardship Program?

The Stewardship pledge includes husband, wife, children and all dependents. If self-supporting members of the family over the age of 18 who live with their parents, they would make their own separate pledge. Family membership allows each Orthodox spouse voting privileges in parish matters.

What will my Stewardship Pledge cover?

Your Stewardship Pledge will cover your annual Parish Membership commitment, but not special offerings or projects such as the Building Fund.

But what if after I make my Pledge, sickness or misfortune or loss of job occurs?

Your pledge is not a contract. A parishioner may at any time make a private phone call or write a confidential letter to the Parish Priest to lower or discontinue his pledge until circumstances allow him to resume his original pledge.

Should I increase my Pledge over the previous year?

The Stewardship Program should cover the entire annual operating budget of the Church. This is our challenge. It should be the goal of each parishioner to give a portion of their blessings to meet this challenge.

Decide what you will give; then increase that amount by $20 per month. If you give $20 more each month, it probably be a small sacrifice to your family. But, $20 more per month from each family would make a great difference in the life of this Mission. Youth, education and outreach ministries could be greatly expanded.

What if I did not meet my previous pledge?

All pledges should be paid in full for the good of the Church. You must fulfill your pledges to maintain pledged VOTING  membership. However, a parishioner with difficult circumstances may at any time privately contact the Parish Priest to lower or discontinue his pledge until circumstances allow him to resume his original pledge.

Are you giving in proportion to the blessings you have received from God?

Stewardship is giving back to God!