Stewardship is the sharing of our time, talent, and treasure in celebration of God's love and work in our lives. We believe disciplined stewardship is an essential part of our response to God and a symbol of the importance God's call has in our lives.

• The ability to be a good steward is itself a gift from God. It is a matter of the heart and it involves change of heart, which we believe can only be the work of the Holy Spirit.
• Stewardship enables the main work of the people of God: our worship of God and our recognition of God's presence, as God works through us in performing daily acts of Christian love and care giving.
• Pledging our time, talent, and treasure is deeply affirming. As we discover our God-given worth, we welcome holding ourselves accountable for the gifts entrusted to us.
• With God's blessings, our parish family will grow to better understand and embrace our unique mission: To celebrate God's love and work in our lives and in the world. By so doing, we will become joyful stewards of our Lord Jesus Christ's ministry in this particular time, place and congregation.

Tithing

We recognize tithing--the giving of 10% of our income to support the church and other groups doing God's work--as the guide for Christian giving. Some of us are working toward a tithe. Some of us struggle with the possibility of ever reaching it. Some of us tithe. Some give offerings beyond the tithe. The goal is for us all to think of our pledges to the church as a proportional gift of our income.

How do I pledge my financial support?

If you would like to pledge your financial support to Eastern Shore Chapel, simply call the parish office at 757-428-6763 or to request a pledge card be sent to you. Pledge cards are also available at the information table in the church entryway, or may be downloaded from this site.

How do I include Eastern Shore Chapel in my will?

Each of us has made plans for the day, the year, our children’s future, our retirement, and some of us have even pre-planned our funerals. Most of us have estate plans, including wills and revocable living trusts. We buy insurance for accidents and illnesses. But aside from the short time during which we consider our pledge to the church, we make few plans for the future of Eastern Shore Chapel. This is the reason that Eastern Shore Chapel has the Francis Fund and other endowment funds, to provide for a future beyond our pledging years, a future beyond our lifetimes.

A codicil is a simple way to amend an existing will to include Eastern Shore Chapel in our estate plans. You can click here for a simple form of a codicil. You are always advised to consult an attorney before signing any legal document, but filling out the simple form is an easy way to document your intentions regarding a small part of your estate and directing it toward our church. To execute the codicil, type or handwrite the form, filling in the blanks with your information. Sign the codicil in front of at least two people, who then sign as witnesses in your presence. If properly notarized, the codicil becomes “self proving” and does not require the witnesses to appear at probate.

How do I pledge my time and talent?

Get involved! Click here for a list of parish ministries that need your help. You can contact the ministry's coordinator or click here for a Ministry Opportunity form that you can fill out. Return the form by email, U.S. mail, drop it by the church office or put it in the offering plate on Sunday morning.

Questions?

Contact the office by calling 757-428-6863 or , and we will put you in touch with the person who can answer your questions.

Want more information?

The following are links to web sites of the Episcopal Church that can tell you more about Stewardship.

Stewardship page of the national Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Network for Stewardship

The Episcopal Church Foundation

Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes