2026 Stewardship Program

Dear Friends,

Each fall we find ourselves pausing to give thanks for this church family. For the way we gather in prayer, lift our voices in song, and show up for one another in good times and hard times. St. Matthew’s is a place where love is lived out loud — and you are the reason why.

With this letter, we begin our 2026 stewardship program. Pledges will be returned on Nov. 16, which is, appropriately, the date of our Harvest Banquet where we will give thanks together.

As you consider your pledge this year, please remember:

Pledging isn’t just about paying our bills. It’s about sustaining the life we share and making room for new possibilities. Over 2,000 people visit our website each year, hundreds follow us online, and we reach thousands more through community events. People are meeting God because this congregation exists. That is a holy thing.

In 2025, our expenses will total about $200,000. That includes the basics — the upkeep and improvement of our 50-year-old building safe, air conditioning and heating, insurance, and utilities. It also covers the payroll for our devoted clergy, all who give time well in excess of their written obligations, music that lifts our spirits, and our contribution to the Diocese, which grounds us in the wider Episcopal Church.

Your gifts are treated with great care. The Vestry approves every expense, two people sign every check and count the offering. Our records are audited every year. Every dollar is handled faithfully, transparently, and with deep gratitude.

Thoughtful giving is a deeply personal decision:

• The average St. Matthew’s pledge is about $3,200, and the national Episcopal average is $3,400.
• Compare your pledge with other household expenses to determine its relative priority for you.
• The New Testament emphasizes cheerful and proportional giving.  How does this resonate with you?

We ask you to prayerfully consider your 2026 pledge. Perhaps you might stretch just a little beyond last year or set aside a portion that feels meaningful for your household. Whatever you decide, know that it will make a difference because together small acts of generosity become great acts of love. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rev. Stephanie or any member of your Vestry. Our names and contact information are below.  The Stewardship Commitment is attached.  Hard copies are available in the Narthex.

With gratitude,

Stephanie Pace, Rector  330-670-5295, sahp414@hotmail.com
Kim Peer, Senior Warden  330-323-4291, kpeer@kent.edu
Ron Blackmar  401-413-8559, ron40266@aol.com
Cathy Fischer  330-524-1503, cathy.ld97@gmail.com
Pat Thomas  561-307-3120, pathomas07@roadrunner.com
Derek Wilkinson, Treasurer  216-253-9458, fleching.fencer@gmail.com