STEWARDSHIP 2011

Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Christian Church   |   71 Chandler Road, Andover MA 01810   |   978-470-0919

Orthodox Christian Stewardship

“Come and See”

When Jesus called his disciples, we read that Philip brought Nathaniel to Jesus, telling him to “Come and See”. We also read in the New Testament of the Samaritan Woman at the well who left her bucket and went to tell the people to “Come and See….”

We extend this same invitation to you to Come and See the world as God’s gift to you. We are not owners but only stewards of God’s many blessings. In the words of Gregory the Theologian, “…however much you bring to him, always more remains. Nor will you give anything that is your own; for all things flow from God (Or 14.22).”

Come and See what the Church can become with your time, talent and treasure dedicated to the Lord’s ministries. Our parish will become more than we ever imagined—not maintaining ministries, but growing ministries made possible by your support.

Come and See God work through your talents, skills and experience, as well as your financial support. Your offering to Christ and His Church can do as much as you empower it to do. We give to Christ and His Church not according to our means but according to our love for Him.

Stewardship is an opportunity to examine our priorities and values, to express our thankfulness, and to give of ourselves. It allows us to participate in the work of God. Come and see what we can do together with your support.

Many people ask, “How  much should I financially give to the Church?” The Bible teaching is to give a percentage of our income to the work of the Gospel in our parish; i. e., 1%, 2%, and then prayerfully seek to increase a little bit each year toward ten percent (“tithing”) which is the Scriptural ideal. Many parish families are giving 2%, and they not only are being blessed by doing so, but they are also truly advancing the work of the Church in a great way.

We are blessed by the example of our Parish Council, which is a cross-section of the demographic of our parish. The average annual stewardship pledge of the Council last year, 2009, was $1,826 ($35 per week).

Please use the WEEKLY ENVELOPES you will receive in the mail to contribute toward your annual pledge. Many families are using the envelopes and it makes giving easier and it is a blessing and feels good to come to church weekly with our stewardship offering envelope.

Before completing and mailing the enclosed Stewardship Card (on both sides), please give prayerful consideration to the many blessings our Church offers you and your family, and then fill in your commitment of time, talent and treasure to your parish.

Please feel free to contact any of the leaders listed in this Ministry brochure in order to get involved in that particular ministry.

Thank you and God bless you!

Sincerely in Christ,

Ed George, Parish Council President

Mary Liponis, Stewardship Chairperson  mliponis@comcast.net

Fr. Christopher, Parish Priest

As you consider your financial stewardship commitment, please reflect upon the many ministries and programs that your Church offers you and your family:

WORSHIP: Sunday Divine Liturgy; Orthros; Vespers; weekday Liturgies; Paraklesis; Lenten prayer services.

SACRAMENTS: Baptisms; Chrismations; Weddings; Funerals; Holy Unction; Confession.

COUNSELING: Marriage; Youth & Young Adult; Grief & Bereavement; Family.

OUTREACH: Hospitals; Shut-ins; Home Blessings; Nursing Homes; Food Box;

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Bible Studies; Converts Classes; Retreats; Sermons; Lectures; Men’s Group; Women’s Fellowship; Lending Library; Book Store; Narthex Pamphlet ministry.

YOUTH MINISTRY: Sunday School (200 children: pre-k to grade 12) Greek School; Vacation Church School; Goya (teens); Joy (pre-teens); Youth Choir; Basketball Teams; Greek Dance Troupes; Overnight Retreats; Dances; Charity Fundraisers; Altar Servers; Toddler Center. Diocese Summer & Winter Camp.

COMMUNICATIONS: Monthly "Word;" Sunday Bulletins; Church Web Page.

ORGANIZATIONS: Ladies Philoptochos (charity & outreach); Sunday School/Greek School PTA; Forty-Niners (seniors); Ahepa; Daughters.

COMMUNITY EVENTS: Greek Festival; Golf Tournament; Dinner Dances.

LITURGY/WORSHIP TEAM: Deacon; Senior Choir; Chanters; Seminarian.

ESSENTIAL PARISH EXPENDITURES: Utilities; Supplies; Salaries; Mortgage; Maintenance; Insurances; Repairs; Snow removal; Landscaping; National and International Ministries (Diocese & Archdiocese); and other additional operating expenses.

+ THEREFORE, as you can see, every pledge counts! And we depend on your generous financial giving so that we can provide these programs and ministries and pay for these expenditures.

+ Consider: for less than the price of a cup of coffee a day, you could contribute at least the "Fair-Share" pledge ($12 per week). Is not God’s work (all of the above) worth more than a cup of coffee?

+ We have many families pledging as "Pace-setters," $20 per week ($1,000) or more, up to $96 per week ($5,000). If you can, please consider becoming a "Pace-setter" at any level.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT TO YOUR CHURCH COMMUNITY!