Generous Culture of Stewardship

This is the vision of the Diocese of Niagara for this diocese and for St. George’s in the area of Generous Culture of Stewardship:

By 2014, the people of the Diocese of Niagara are recognized for the way their giving reflects God’s generosity, their honesty and faithful care of every gift, and the manner in which their resources are used effectively to God’s glory. They have established a high level of trust, and know that parishes working together are stronger together than alone.

St. George’s has been working hard to cultivate a generous spirit among it’s members in how they reflect God’s own generousness to us through their time, talent, and financial support of Christ’s mission in our community and the world.

New in 2011

Our Time & Talent Auction

Time and Talent Auction

In 2011, St. George’s held an event that helped us to recognise and celebrate the skills and gifts that God has given us at St. George’s. A sign up sheet was posted inviting people in the parish to sign up offering time and talents. Everything from a home baked chocolate cake to a lesson in sea-kayaking were put up for auction (read a full list here). Not only was money raised for the ministry of the church but, more importantly we all became aware of the wonderfully deep and rich pool of talents God had given our parish!

Ongoing at St. George’s

In 2010,  the leadership met with Jim Newman, our Diocesan Stewardship Consultant, to talk about year-round Stewardship and some of the many ways parishes can build and grow their stewardship programs.

Narrative budget Slide

Narrative Budget

For almost 10 years, St. George’s vestry reports have included a Narrative Budget. Narrative Budgets are a great way to tell the story of how St. George’s uses it’s ministry resources to carry out its’ mission and ministry. Most budgets are all numbers and line items. A Narrative Budget uses words, stories and pictures to paint the picture.

Parish Life Video screen capture

Year-round Stewardship

In 2010 and 2011, St. George’s recorded and played in church a series of video highlighting parts of our Narrative Budget. Video’s were made for Outreach, Parish Life, Christian Education, and Pastoral Care. These video were a powerful way to tell the story of good work that St. George’s continues to do in many ways.

Summer VBS kids

Working with Others

Starting 2009, St. George’s has worked together with the local Anglican church to jointly purchase a summer Vacation Bible School program. Not only has this allowed us to share the cost of the materials, but also, where possible, advertising. We also coordinate our schedules so that parents can sign up for each others programs and they don’t overlap. Our VBS has been a great way for us to reach out into our community.

Return to the Vision homepage

Check out our Diocesan “Generous Culture of  Stewardship” website here.