Gather at God's Table:
Where Abundances Becomes Generosity
Stewardship 2027
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Stewardship 2027 Kick-off Celebration
Join us Sunday, October 18, from 9:45–10:45 a.m. in the Parish Hall for Waffles and Worship, a joyful kick-off to our 2027 Stewardship Campaign! Come celebrate all that our St. James' community makes possible when we gather together — in faith, in generosity, and in service to one another.
This year's theme reminds us that abundance becomes generosity when we share it, and that there are many ways to take part. It truly takes all of us.
Enjoy warm baked waffles with a full topping bar (whipped cream, syrup, butter, jam, sprinkles, and chocolate chips). Refreshments will also be available for the 8:00 a.m. coffee hour in the Janney Parlor.
Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to celebrate what we can accomplish together!
Stewardship Adult Forum:
Generosity as a Spiritual Practice
What if generosity is more than something we do? What if it’s a way we can grow closer to God?
Join us for a four-part series exploring generosity as a spiritual practice. A spiritual practice is a habit or discipline that we intentionally develop to open our hearts to God and shape our lives as followers of Christ.
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October 25: Emotional Generosity — Giving the gifts of compassion, encouragement, forgiveness, and presence.
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November 1: Generosity of Time — Considering how we give our most precious and limited resource.
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November 8: Financial Generosity — Exploring our relationship with money and the spiritual freedom that comes from giving.
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November 15: Tax-Advantaged Giving — Learning practical ways to make charitable giving more effective and meaningful with special guest Brian McDonald (CFP, ChFC, CEPA).
Drawing on More Than Money: The Study of the Spiritual Practice of Generosity by Darren Cushman Wood, The Generosity Paradox by Christian Smith and Hilary Davidson, and scripture, Carolyn Briles will lead the study of how generosity can become not simply an act of giving, but a way of living faithfully and abundantly.
Gather with us at God’s table and explore how generosity can change not only what we give, but who we are.
Stewardship FAQs
Q. What is Stewardship? A. Stewardship means wisely caring for something that belongs to someone else. The Bible calls us stewards of God’s creation. Everything belongs to God, not us. Q. What is a pledge? A. An annual pledge is a commitment made in faith on what you will give to the church’s annual operating budget in the coming year. Q. Why is the church leadership asking members to increase their pledge? A. We estimate that our 2024 ministry budget will increase by approximately 20%. It is amazing to see God doing great things in our church, but it also means we need to act in faith with our finances. Q. When I make a pledge, how will the money be used? A. These gifts go towards the church’s operating budget. This includes all the expenses of day-to-day ministry at St. James’ including worship expenses, local outreach, utilities, maintenance of our historical campus, and staff salaries. Q. How much should I give? A. This is a decision for each household to reach prayerfully. Our goal is to see each member giving in faith and in love. Q. What if I need to change my pledge during the year? A. A pledge is not a binding contract, but rather a promise of intention. If life circumstances change, please contact the church office. All conversations are confidential and pastoral support is always available. Q. Why is St. James’ talking about money? Isn’t that personal? A. We believe everything belongs to God, so for Christians money is not secret or “off limits.” Jesus talked about it a lot. We don’t do high-pressure talks but we always want to be transparent and open about how our members’ giving supports the ministry of our church and the surrounding community.
Submitting your pledge online is safe, easy, environmentally friendly, and confidential. Please consider submitting your pledge online via the form below.
If you do not wish to submit your pledge online, pledge cards will be made available to our membership in Fall 2026. Printing your pledge card is a good option for those making their pledge later than November 2026 or for out-of-town members. You can mail your completed card to 8 Cornwall St. NW, Leesburg VA, 20176.