The Joys
of Giving
Thank you! If you are reading this, you are probably thinking about making a gift or pledge to St. Mark’s – so thank you! The value of your financial support is immeasurable. When we give to St. Mark’s, we are able to flourish together joyfully in our mission to “Go and make disciples who live a deeper life in Christ, a more holy communion with one another, and a greater love for the world.”
Ways to give OR FUFILL YOUR PLEDGE
In Person
Cash or Check payable to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
in the offering plate on Sunday or Church Office during the week
By Mail
To St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
111 Oenoke Ridge
New Canaan, CT 06840
The Annual Fund Powers the Mission
The life and ministries of our parish community are sustained by the annual pledges of its members. A pledge to the Annual Fund is an intention to contribute a particular amount to St. Mark’s in the space of a year.
Pledging is a spiritual practice. When you make a pledge to the Annual Fund, you empower clergy, staff, and lay leaders to create and fulfill transformative ministry with fiscal responsibility. You just might find yourself transformed as well.
111138: Dialogue between Faith and Science (Maltese Cross and Atom)
Planned Giving: Lion’s Legacy Circle
Planned giving has the power to make a categorical difference in the life and future of our parish. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
The Lion’s Legacy Circle recognizes those who have included St. Mark’s in their estate plans in thanksgiving for the importance of the church in their earthly lives. A planned gift is a beautiful way to help perpetuate the ministry handed down to us by those who have gone before us these last 260 years.
Your financial or tax advisor can help you design a planned gift that makes sense for your estate. To discuss your legacy giving, please contact Nancy Walton, Director of Stewardship & Development; Jill Sautkulis, Director of Operations, or the Rev. Peter Walsh, Rector.
11116: Acorn
Frequently Asked Questions
Giving is part of membership. Jesus said, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). When exercised as a spiritual practice, giving to St. Mark’s reflects and strengthens the bonds of love across this community and with God. If we understand that we are but caretakers (stewards) of all that God creates, using financial gifts to advance God’s work through St. Mark’s makes sense.
From a practical perspective, nearly 70% of the annual operating budget is funded by our gifts each year. The annual financial support of the congregation allows for a healthy, vibrant parish with the holy energy to love and serve God and one another. More detail about St. Mark’s finances can be found here.
Pledging is an expression of your intention to give an amount to support the mission and ministry of St. Mark’s for the coming year. Pledging is a spiritual practice. When you make a pledge to the Annual Fund, you empower clergy, staff, and lay leaders to create and fulfill transformative ministry with fiscal responsibility. You just might find yourself transformed as well.
Your pledge can be fulfilled at your convenience throughout year.
A donation is a financial contribution made all at once. A pledge is an intended amount of giving one expresses to the church at the start of or before a given fiscal year and enables the vestry and staff to budget and plan for that year.
No amount is too large or too small. In prayerfully considering your annual giving, you are invited to consider your means and to prioritize St. Mark’s. Pledge to make a gift that is personally meaningful to you.
The spiritual practice of giving to the Church is grounded in biblical teaching, which emphasizes the concepts of proportional giving, giving back to God, and supporting the work of the church as a priority (see I Corinthians 16:2). Recent pledges to St. Mark’s range from $10 to $100,000.
Fulfill your pledge or make a contribution with cash, check, credit card, through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), qualifying IRA distribution, or by transferring securities. Scroll up for details. Pledges to St. Mark’s are an unenforceable intention to give, so satisfy the requirements for DAF grants.
A pledge to St. Mark’s is not a contract, but rather an expression of a spiritual intention. Life can bring changes, including to one’s finances. If you find that you cannot fulfill your pledge, kindly notify Nancy Walton, Director of Stewardship & Development, or speak with a member of the clergy.
Nearly 70% of the money needed to fund St. Mark’s mission and annual programs is raised through the Annual Fund Appeal. We are strongest when the entire congregation participates in funding the ministry through that appeal.
The Inspired by Love Campaign raised money for St. Mark’s endowment and for capital maintenance and repairs around campus. Each year St. Mark’s endowment provides about 15% of the operating income.
A contribution is welcome at any time. Use any of the methods described above or contact Nancy Walton, Director of Stewardship & Development.
The Annual Fund is critical for robust and vibrant ministry, and the highest priority. Contributions over and above your Annual Fund pledge to enhance specific ministries or to St. Mark’s endowment funds are most welcome. These include: Friends of Music at St. Mark’s, Clergy Discretionary Fund, Memorials and Thanksgivings, Flower Fund, Gospel Garden, Laundry Love, the General Endowment, and the Outreach Endowment.
Just log in to Realm to access your giving record at any time. Call the church office if you need assistance logging in, or would like your giving record sent to you. Giving records are mailed out four times per year, with year-end statements for tax purposes sent in January.
Have another question? Nancy Walton probably has the answer!
112: Miracle of Loaves and Fishes
