Stewardship

"Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others." St. Augustine

Stewardship is about being grateful, responsible stewards of the gifts we receive from God. The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Bible. The Episcopal Church sees stewardship as more than simply contributing money to the church; it’s also about contributing time and talents, and volunteering for ministry and mission. (Source: The Episcopal Church)

Your support of the church pays the Rector, Organist/Choirmaster, and Sextons; keeps the lights and heat/AC on, covers building maintenance cost, and pays for all other general operating expenses. Generosity to our parish, though, is much more than that. It is a sign of our commitment to the real meaning of life. It's about making the world a better place where Christ's promise of abundant life is made real -- touching and changing lives in ways we may never see or know.

St. Andrew's annual stewardship letter is mailed to parishioners in October but pledges may be submitted anytime throughout the year. If you wish to make a current year pledge to St. Andrew's click here. Print, complete, and return the pledge form in the collection plate on Sunday or mail it to St. Andrew's Treasurer, c/o St. Andrew's, 406 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, Illinois 62025.

Gifts of Stock

Parishioners may find there is a tax advantage to making a stock gift to St. Andrew's. If you are interested in doing so, we have an account with Bridwell Financial Group in Edwardsville. Jim Bridwell, the owner, has worked with St. Andrew's contributors for many years. The phone number for his office is 618-692-6556. It is also helpful to let St. Andrew's Treasurer know that you (or your financial adviser) are making a stock transfer to St.Andrew's account at Bridwell Financial.

IRA Charitable Rollover

Under recently reinstated law, you may move up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to a qualified charity like Saint Andrew's without having to pay income taxes on the money. This law applies to those persons who are 70½ or older who must take a minimum distribution each year. This is how it works:

• If you are 70½ or older, you can give up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to the parish.
• The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you still benefit even if you do not itemize your tax deductions.
• If you have not taken your required minimum distribution or RMD for the year, your IRA charitable rollover gift can satisfy all or part of that requirement.
• The transfer may be made in addition to any other charitable giving you have planned.
• Contact your financial adviser for assistance as the check must be prepared by your financial adviser and mailed directly to St. Andrew's.

Giving Through Your Will

A bequest to Saint Andrew's can be added to an existing will with a simple codicil or will change. Rather than a particular sum or piece of property, some donors designate a certain percentage of the estate is is to come to the parish.

Time and Talent Contributions

In addition to monetary support to St, Andrew's, consider contributing your time and talents:

• Parish Leadership (Vestry);
• Parish ministries;
• Outreach / Community ministries;
• Parish Administrative Support;
• Pastoral Care;
• Worship and Music.