Stewardship
by George Koutras, Stewardship Chairman
As we begin
the New Year, I am pleased to report a positive response to our 2005
Stewardship Campaign. Our 2005 stewardship budget was $245,000, and
parish pledges through December 31, 2005, totaled $247,464.92. Payments amounted to $243,207.92, with a balance due of $4,257.00, the lowest past-due amount in many past years.
I am confident that the twenty-two (22) stewards who have not fully met
their 2005 pledges will promptly do so in order to remain in good
standing. If you are one of them, please remit your payment to the
church office. Outstanding 2005 balances will not be credited to your
2006 stewardship, and they should not be reflected in your 2005 tax
returns.
Our stewardship records through December 31, 2005, reflect a year-end total participation of 737 stewards, composed of 259 family members and 219 single members (including 6 students), with an average pledge of $658. I am hopeful that with the commitment of our faithful stewards this rising trend of stewardship participation and increased individual pledge increases will continue throughout the year 2006.
The 2006 budget approved by the parish for stewardship is $260,000, and our collective CHALLENGE for 2006 is to achieve and continue a voluntary on-going participation by all of our parish communicants. Please help achieve this goal by promptly returning your 2006 pledge cards and offerings so that you may be listed among the PACESETTERS who will set the pace for all of us to follow throughout the year. An increase of 10 to 20 percent over your last year's pledge will insure that we meet and exceed our 2006 budget, and the rising operational costs of our church. Please join the ranks of many of your fellow stewards who have answered the call by raising their 2006 pledges 10-20 percent over their 2005 pledges.
The early stewardship returns for this year reflect a positive response from many of our "early birds" who have shown their love and generosity for God's Church by timely returning their pledge cards, many of which reflect increases over their prior year pledges. Indeed, as of January 13, 2006, the returns reflect a total stewardship membership of 310, composed of 110 family members, and 90 single members (including 6 students). The total amount of all of these pledges is $122,190, with an average pledge of $605. Please add your names to the Stewardship Roll of Honor, which was published on January 13, 2006.
In conclusion, I wish to thank our hard-working Proestamenos Father Nicholas for his spiritual commitment that has resulted in the continuing success of our parish stewardship program. He is a dedicated servant of God and his boundless energy will insure the continuing spiritual viability of our parish.