Beloved Bedians,
Our Stewardship campaign reflects the many ways we share with one another. Our theme this year focuses on the stories of the goodness of God and how we are called to respond to God’s love through our own words, actions, love, and joy into the world. This year, with all that has been going on in the news, in our homes, schools and offices, and ever-shifting economic forecasts, the one constant has been the greatness of the Lord manifest through the connections we have formed at St. Bede’s.
Our stories unite us. Each of us has a story to tell, often about God’s saving love or at least how we found this congregation and why we continue to participate. God has dreams, ambitions, and wills the best for us even as we each have struggles and moments of difficulty. The Good News is that we can still tell out our souls wholeheartedly within our St. Bede’s community while receiving the support, encouragement, and grace we need.
We will be hearing many stories in our campaign this year. Each will focus on gratitude and how God transforms gratitude into personal responses of service and stewardship. We pray that this same process may happen in you as you seek ways to share your gifts from the inspiration and blessing you have been given.
With this letter, we include a draft 2026 budget and pledge card to help discern your response to God’s abundance as a St. Bede’s community member. These are not merely pledge cards, they are a way to pour out our souls. Each hour spent volunteering, each thought and prayer shared, and each dollar donated is transformed through prayer and Grace into ministry and mission. We could not be an example of Christ’s love and compassion without your many and various gifts. Please return your pledge cards by November 2, by mail, in the Sunday alms basin, or through our Realm online platform so that we may include them in our ingathering and bless them.
Tell out my soul! The Greatness of the Lord!
Your St. Bede’s Stewardship Committee,
Katie Countryman, Stewardship Committee Chair
Margaret Musgnung
The Rev'd Canon Linda Potter
Jerry Frawley
Jan O'Shanecy
The Rev'd Marlene Mutchler
Fast Facts & Timeline
Our Goal
We are needing an increase in income to support our expanded ministries and cover increased operating costs due to inflation.
While not everyone can afford to increase their pledge; please consider prayerfully what you can give in 2026.
Some ways you may help us reach our goal include:
- Increasing your pledge.
- Donating all or a portion of your required minimum distribution from your IRA.
- Donating stock (and taking advantage of possible tax benefits).
- Prayerfully consider pledging if you are not already.
Click here for more detailed information about our financial needs and goals.
Timeline
Sunday, September 21: Stewardship Campaign Kick-off
- Stewardship letters received in the mail by members. Letters and pledge cards are also available to pick up at the church.
Sunday, October 5: 2026 Budget Meeting at 9am in the Nave and on Zoom
- We invite you to come and discuss the proposed 2026 budget with us.
Every Sunday
- Different speakers each week, sharing stories
- Hymn after communion, "Tell Out My Soul"
- Share your reflections on the back nave windows
- Add a picture to the stewardship bulletin board
Sunday, November 2: All Saints' Sunday & Ingathering Day
- Please return all pledge cards and make your online pledges by this day. Pledge cards may be placed in the offering plate. They will be blessed at the altar.
- We will celebrate after the 10am service with a dinner.
- We will also offer a special welcome to new members during the 10am service.
How to Pledge
Or through one of these other methods:
Through Your Realm Account
After logging in here, you may find the pledge form by clicking "Giving", then "+ Pledge" to make a pledge for our 2025 campaign. Realm is our online directory and giving platform. If you do not have a Realm account and would like one, please contact the office.
By Filling out a Pledge Card
Physical pledge cards have been mailed to members. Additional pledge cards may be picked up at the church in the narthex (entryway) or at the office.
By Contacting the Office
Contact the office and we will gladly fill out a pledge card for you.
