Stewardship and Leadership

A steward's job is to care for the owner's estate in his or her absence, so church stewardship is our responsibility to take care of God's creation and his gifts to us. In practical terms, stewardship is the name given to our process of caring for our buildings and grounds, our human resources, and the gifts and talents of our members.

Financial Contributors

In the last months of each year, each Epiphany member family is asked to complete a pledge card designating its expected donation to the church in the coming year. These pledge cards may be placed in a sealed envelope and turned into the church office or dropped in the offertory basket when it is passed during the service.

The pledged donation can be made weekly, monthly, or on any schedule accommodating to the donor. If you desire, request donation envelopes when you complete your pledge card. These envelopes serve as a handy reminder of pledge payments and help to preserve the confidentiality of your donation.

The proper amount of a member family's gift to the church is a matter of ability and conscience. By long tradition in Christianity, the "tithe" (defined as 10% of income) is an appropriate and admirable goal for a family's donation. Many families begin with a smaller fixed percentage, and increase it by a half- or full percentage point each year until they reach 10%.

Donation amounts related to any individual or family are kept strictly confidential by the individual charged with the responsibility of receiving and depositing funds. Neither the Vestry members nor the priest are informed of individual pledge or donation amounts.

If your payments are made by check or other verifiable means, you will be mailed a receipt at the end of each year for your tax and other record-keeping purposes.

Other opportunities for giving may arise throughout the year, including memorials in honor of a lost loved one, special donations for projects and missions, and support for flowers or church celebrations. While these donations are certainly very welcome and appreciated, they do not replace the church's need for a steady source of pledge income to maintain the building and grounds, pay salaries, and support our services and activities.

Annual Parish Meetings

Once each year in January, the priest and people of Epiphany meet to elect three new Vestry members and to consider the spiritual and economic vitality of the parish. Reports from various church officials are made, and the completed Treasurer's report and new year's budget are reviewed.

Vestry

The Vestry is composed of the Rector and nine elected members that serve three-year, rotating terms. (Three members are elected each year.) The Senior Warden is nominated by the Rector, subject to the Vestry's confirmation, and the Junior Warden is elected by the Vestry.

In the Episcopal Church, parish decision-making is not congregational. The Priest has charge of all things affecting the spiritual interest of the parish, subject only to the Bishop, while the Vestry administers the temporal affairs of the church. Rarely are items put to a full congregational vote.

A parishioner with concerns or suggestions should share those with a Vestry member, who, if appropriate, will bring those items up with the full Vestry. The vestry ordinarily meets once each month.

Wardens

The Junior Warden oversees the maintenance and care of parish properties, including the church, parish hall, and rectory.

The Senior Warden represents the needs and concerns of the people to the priest and the needs and concerns of the priest to the people.

Diocesan Conventions

Each year, elected representatives of every parish convene to consider the state of the Diocese. Each parish sends four (4) delegates, and they may be asked to consider amendments to the diocesan canons, the treasurer's report, and proposed budget, and other diocesan business. Additionally, they will hear reports on the various programs and activities in the Diocese.