Make A Pledge

Stewardship 2026

At St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, we celebrate God’s abundant generosity by sharing our own. Each year, we invite you to make a financial pledge that sustains our mission and ministries. Your gifts ensure that we continue to worship together, grow through formation, serve our neighbors, and enjoy the fellowship of our parish family.

A pledge is more than a donation—it’s a commitment that allows our church to plan faithfully for the year ahead. With your support, we can allocate resources, nurture ministries, and provide for the life of our parish community.

How to Make Your Commitment

Step 1: Make Your Pledge

Step 2: Decide How to Pay Your Pledge

  • Set Up New Automated Payments: Set up a bank draft or credit/debit card payment through our online giving site. Be sure to select “Pledge Payment” in the TO: field. For assistance, contact our Financial Manager, Julie Pallow, at finance@ststephens.com.
  • Update Existing Automated Payments: If you already use our online giving platform, simply log in and adjust your pledge amount for 2025.
  • Gifts of Stock or Other Assets: Contact Julie Pallow at finance@ststephens.com or call the church office.
  • Checks: Mail directly to St. Stephen’s at the address above.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our church community!

Stewardship FAQs

What is Stewardship?
At St. Stephen’s, Stewardship means giving back to the faith community that shapes our lives. It’s an expression of gratitude through the sharing of our time, talents, and treasure. The Stewardship Committee helps raise awareness and secure financial pledges to fund our annual operating budget.

Why make a pledge each year?
Annual pledges are the primary way we fund our ministries and daily operations. They cover staff salaries and benefits, maintain our building, support parish programs, and—quite literally—keep the lights on.

Why pledge instead of giving occasionally?
While every gift is deeply valued, pledges provide a predictable income that allows leadership to budget responsibly. Making a pledge is both a financial and spiritual commitment to sustaining St. Stephen’s.

Pledges may be fulfilled weekly, monthly, quarterly, or in a lump sum (such as stock gifts). We understand circumstances change—pledges can be adjusted at any time by contacting the church office.

Doesn’t the Episcopal Church in Minnesota (Diocese) or National Episcopal Church support us?

No. St. Stephen’s receives no funding from the Diocese or National Church. In fact, we contribute a portion of our operating budget each year to support the Episcopal Church in Minnesota.

Does St. Stephen’s have an endowment?

Yes. The St. Stephen’s Fund provides annual distributions that currently cover about 10% of our operating budget. Without it, we would rely even more heavily on pledge income.

Will costs increase in 2026?

Yes. As ministries thrive and inflation affects utilities, facilities, and staff compensation, we anticipate rising costs. Increased pledges will provide the stable financial foundation needed for 2026 and beyond.

Your generosity makes ministry possible. Thank you for helping St. Stephen’s live out God’s love in the year ahead.