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Stewardship 2008

           light of the world

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Let Your Light Shine.

Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven.   

                                                                                      Matthew 5: 16

On any given Sunday, the Church of the Redeemer is filled with light.

It matters not what the weather may be.

The light is Christ, and the light is you,

as He fills His people gathered in            

Worship 

            Choirs 

Church School 

            Adult Education Classes   

Youth Groups and Fellowship.

On any given weekday

the light keeps shining in the world in

Bible Studies 

            Home and Hospital Visits 

Pastoral Care 

Mission at Home           

and Abroad. 

Two or three or more

are spreading the light as they

work at St. Stephen’s in the South End, 

rebuild from Hurricane Katrina 

lend a hand in Cuba.

When you give of your time, talent and treasure,  

you bring your share of Christ’s light  

to lighten the way of the world 

so that the light  

shines all the more brightly  

and all the more widely.

There are many shadows in the world,  

but the light of Christ is stronger.

Give of yourself and let your light shine forth here

at the Redeemer and throughout the world. 

The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

                                                                              John 1: 5

Message from the Co-Chairs

Stewardship 2008

At the Church of the Redeemer we are blessed many times over, and many of our blessings are described in this brochure.  As our blessings increase, we have the opportunity to give back in an ever more meaningful way to the church and the world.

This fall we have been gathering at parishioners’ homes to spend some time getting to know each other better, sharing parish remembrances, reflecting on the importance of the Church of the Redeemer in our lives, and exploring how our time, talent, and treasure will enable us to fulfill our stewardship goals.  It has been a special time for all who have participated in this process of creating a deeper sense of fellowship.

Between October 21 and November 4, when we conduct the annual Stewardship Drive, we will have an opportunity to reflect upon and prayerfully consider our pledges for 2008.  We will have stark choices before us.  We can continue with the status quo and increasingly fall behind, thus allowing the endowment funds to decline.  Or we can celebrate our gratitude to God by sharing our many blessings with the Church, participating joyfully in its growth, and know that we have fully played our part in touching people’s lives.

We are faced with a projected deficit for the year 2008.  These projections are based on the increasing cost of continuing our current programs.  We do not account for any new plans, initiatives, or shared vision for the Church.  If we are unable to fund our operating budget, we will need to dip further into the endowment and thereby erode the bright future of the Redeemer.  To meet the parish’s expected needs for 2008, we ask you to consider increasing your pledge.  If 100% of our parish participates in making our commitment to the Church and choosing to support its mission, then we can truly live our lives fulfilled that we have spread the light of God’s word. 

As we approach Stewardship Sunday, let us consider what we have been taught.  All the blessings that have been poured upon us are not really ours, but are gifts from God.  We are just the vessel.

As you consider your own participation in the stewardship of our Church, we urge you to reflect on these thoughts as you welcome your fellow parishioners and receive your Neighborhood Bag in the coming weeks.  We are grateful for all of your support.

Lloyd Dahmen and Elliot Bostwick Davis, Stewardship Co-Chairs

2007 Operating Budget

including Church Service League

$929,561.12

Total Inflows

Funds Used in Our Mission

not including the Church Service League

$832,866.80

Four Largest Expenses

Salaries and Benefits               $523,513.37

Diocesan Assessment              $  97,079.00

Utilities                                    $  53,888.95

Building Maintenance              $  69,625.48

Total                                       $744,106.80

Percent of 2007 Operating Budget      89.34%

The Church of the Redeemer needs your support to provide a place for people who come for solace, understanding, and peace; to present special programs, services, and other opportunities for prayer, learning, reflection and community outreach. 

We depend entirely on the generosity of parishioners and friends who share our mission.  We invite you to explore the topics  below and consider how you can contribute to our vital work and make a difference in the ministries of our church.

What is Stewardship       all about? Where does all the       money go? How much does the       Stewardship campaign       need to raise?	What is the problem       with a flat pledge? What should I pledge? Your money and your God What about planned giving?
Make an Annual Stewardship Pledge

Also, you can learn more about the Stewardship Committee.

379 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
tel 617-566-7679, office@redeemerchestnuthill.org