Stewardship--Annual Giving
The "stewardship" of our resources involves the way we take care of each other, our building, and our financial health. "Stewardship" with a Capital "S" is the umbrella term that we often use to describe our financial care-giving.Stewardship at West Shore is a three-legged stool.
The three legs are the annual stewardship campaign to raise the Operating Budget (sometimes called "the Canvass"), Capital Giving to support capital needs (mostly related to the building and mortgage), and Legacy Giving, planned gifts that are often part of an overall estate plan or will (often applied to endowment needs.)
A pledge is not a legal contract, but a prediction. Our members appreciate the monthly reminders in the mail about the amount they pledged and how much they have paid so far on their pledge.
Annual pledges at West Shore vary considerably according to household income, so the ministers and the Stewardship Committee encourages everyone to consider 5% of income as a standard to strive for.
