Generosity takes many forms. Whether through a financial gift, a pledge, sharing your time and talents, or donating needed items, every act of generosity helps support the ministry of St. John’s and our mission in the Sylva community.
We believe that generosity is a response to God’s generosity toward us. Every gift, regardless of size, helps us worship together, care for one another, serve our neighbors, and sustain the ministries that make St. John’s a welcoming place for all.
There are several ways to support the life of our parish. Explore the options below to find the giving opportunity that is right for you.
Donate
Whether you’re making a one-time gift, setting up recurring giving, or supporting a particular ministry, your generosity helps sustain the worship, outreach, and community life of St. John’s.
Online giving is available through our secure Stripe donation platform. You may choose either a one-time or recurring gift. If you would like your donation to support a specific ministry or fund, simply include that information in the memo field. Designated gifts may include ministries such as our Music Ministry, Garden Ministry, Episcopal Church Women (ECW), Rector’s Discretionary Fund, or other parish ministries and special projects.
You may also give by placing a check in the offering plate during worship or by mailing it to:
Pledge
A pledge is a prayerful commitment indicating how you hope to support the ministry of St. John’s during the coming year. It is one of the most important tools our parish uses to faithfully plan for the future.
Each September, our annual Stewardship Campaign invites parishioners to prayerfully consider how they will support the mission and ministry of St. John’s in the coming year. Pledge cards are typically gathered through the end of October so that the Vestry can prepare a thoughtful budget before the beginning of the new year.
Because life changes, pledges are not contracts. If your financial circumstances change during the year, your pledge can always be updated.
At St. John’s, pledging is never connected to membership, participation, or pastoral care. Financial giving is a deeply personal decision, and everyone is welcome and valued regardless of whether or how much they are able to contribute. Our priest intentionally does not review individual giving amounts so that pastoral relationships remain centered on faith and community, not finances.
Resources
A pledge is your estimate of how much you hope to give to St. John’s during the coming year. It helps the Vestry prepare a responsible budget and supports the ministries of our parish.
No. Everyone is welcome to worship and participate in the life of St. John’s whether or not they make a financial pledge.
Knowing the financial commitments our parish family intends to make allows the Vestry to prepare a thoughtful budget for worship, outreach, Christian formation, building care, music, and the many ministries of St. John’s.
Our annual Stewardship Campaign takes place each September, with pledge cards typically collected by the end of October so that the Vestry can prepare the following year’s budget.
Absolutely. If your circumstances change, simply contact the church office and we’ll help update your pledge.
Financial giving is handled confidentially. Our priest intentionally does not review individual giving amounts so that every pastoral relationship remains centered on faith and community rather than finances.
Yes. Our online giving form includes a memo field where you may designate your gift for a particular ministry or fund. If you have questions about designated giving, please contact the church office.
Give Your Time & Talents
Stewardship is about more than finances. Every week, parishioners share their gifts by preparing meals, welcoming newcomers, singing in the choir, tending the garden, serving on the altar, caring for our building and grounds, participating in outreach ministries, and supporting countless other aspects of parish life.
Whether you have a few hours each month or a special skill you’d like to share, there is a place for you at St. John’s. We believe every person has gifts to offer, and we invite you to explore the many ways you can become involved in the life of our parish.
In-Kind Donation
Financial gifts aren’t the only way to support the ministry of St. John’s. Donations of equipment, supplies, furnishings, books, tools, and other needed items can also make a meaningful difference.
Before donating physical items, please complete our In-Kind Donation Form. This helps us ensure that the item meets a current ministry need and allows us to coordinate with the appropriate ministry leader before items are brought to the church.
We are grateful for your generosity and your desire to support the mission and ministry of St. John’s in this way.
Questions?
If you have questions about donations, pledges, designated giving, or in-kind donations, we’re happy to help.
Please contact the church office at office@stjohnssylva.org, and we’ll connect you with the appropriate person.