Stewardship
Stewardship—giving a portion of your time, talent, and treasure back to God—is an act of faith and an expression of gratitude. It’s what you do when you realize that your life, your work, your abilities and skill, the people and the places you love—all—are gifts from the God who created you. You are probably already giving some of your time and talent in service to God, but are you giving a portion of your income? It’s not easy to promise a portion of your living for God’s purposes, to let go of control of what you earn. But that very difficulty points to the importance of stewardship on the journey of faith. It’s an opportunity to grow, to learn to give as God has given, freely and generously.
Stewardship is more than just giving. It encompasses the broad concept of assuming the responsibility of caring for the gifts God has given us. In the context of our relatively new congregation we believe this can take the form of getting to know and looking after each other, and being actively involved in community and congregation development.
We have a traditional annual fall stewardship campaign, when Cathedral congregation members are asked to make a pledge for the coming year, but you may make a pledge at any time. Your pledge dollars will help support the work of the Cathedral, which relies solely on the gifts of individuals for its life and ministry.
How will my gifts be used?
Your congregation gifts support the Cathedral in its entirety. They are directed to the Cathedral Fund, which supports the general operating budget. Your gift will be used in all areas of the Cathedral’s life, including worship and music, outreach, education, global justice ministries, and community life.
How much should I pledge?
Christian stewardship is not so much about fundraising as it is about growing in generosity. It is about a growing realization that all we have is a gift from God. Ten percent is the biblical tithe. We encourage you to prayerfully consider what proportion of your resources you will give to God’s work on earth and then decide how your support of the Cathedral fits into that plan.
We ask that you give an amount that reflects the Cathedral’s role in your spiritual journey.
How should I make my gift?
You can give using our online donation page or by setting up an automatic deduction from a credit or debit card; but for those not inclined toward electronic banking, you may write checks (payable to Washington National Cathedral) to put in the collection plate. If you have an open pledge, all checks put into the plate are applied to your pledge. If you would like to make a restricted gift to one of our programs (for example, music), please be sure to write “Additional gift for music” on the memo line of your check. Pledge envelopes are not required, but they are available by request by contacting Lashieta McLean at (202) 537-5532. For gifts of stock and securities, please contact the Treasurer’s office at (202) 537-6293.
Will I receive an acknowledgment?
You will receive an acknowledgment letter within a few weeks of your initial gift or pledge, but not for weekly plate gifts or pledge payments. In February, you will receive a summary of all gifts you made between January 1 and December 31 for your tax purposes. Starting in 2010 we will send reminders of your pledge status in May and September.
Cathedral Fund Benefits
Starting in 2010, congregation members giving more than $75 are eligible for membership in our Partner in Mission program. We will mail a Partners card to you shortly after receipt of the gift. The benefits of this membership can be viewed by clicking here.
If you have questions about your gifts to the congregation or giving at the Cathedral in general, please contact, Lashieta McLean at (202) 537-5532.
