Stewardship

What is St. George Stewardship Program?

The Stewardship Program is the primary means whereby the Church supports itself, sustains its numerous ministries, and assist those in need, both in the parish and in the wider community.  It relies on the goodness of God and the pure generosity of its members.

How Do You Want To Make a Difference?

Reaching for our checkbooks may be the easiest and only way we know how to contribute to our Church, but did you know there may be a more advantageous way? There are a wide range of non-cash assets that can be donated, receive tax benefits, and a leave a lasting legacy at St. George!

  • Stocks
  • Bonds
  • Mutual Funds
  • Life Insurance
  • Bequests/Estate Planning

Even something as simple as remembering St. George in your will can provide a long lasting benefit to your Church.   Contact Chris J. Wallace at (202) 442-7422 for further details.

Fullfilling Your Pledge

Stewardship donations can be made via personal check or credit card (VISA or Mastercard) and are typically made in monthly, quarterly, or annual installments.

Checks should be made out to:

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George,
Attention: Stewardship
7701 Bradley Blvd., Bethesda , MD 20817

Indicate on your check that it is a Stewardship payment.   Please specify which year you are paying (2008, 2009, etc).  Checks can be mailed or placed in the Sunday Collection Tray.

PLEDGE CARDS can be obtained at the Church Office, or as you enter the church at the narthex, or by contacting a member of the Stewardship Committee (listed below).

Welcome to St. George

The Greek Orthodox Church of St. George is a very active parish of over 900 families and is blessed with a beautiful House of Worship and community. We have many facilities to serve our people and carry out the ministries of our Lord. These include our Sanctuary, The Bishop George Cultural Center, the Presvytera Maria Papaioannou Grand Hall, the Founders' Hall and Chapel, our administrative offices and the Kollecas House.

Who will my Stewardship Commitment Include?

The Stewardship Commitment includes husband and wife for married couples and single adults as Stewards. Family members over 18 years of age, who are employed, should make their own Stewardship Commitment.

Stewardship Program

The St. George Stewardship Program supports the Christian practice of regular giving of time, talent, and treasure to the Church. Stewards are encouraged to contribute their time and talents by volunteering in the numerous community and ministry programs that are supported by St. George. Parish families are also expected to pledge a proportion of their financial treasure toward the Church and its ministries by participating in the annual pledge drive that begins each fall.

What does it mean to be a Steward?

A Steward, according to the Bible, is one who manages the gifts entrusted to him for the perpetuation of the Lord's work.

Our money and possessions are not ours, but on loan. When we give to the Church, we return to God, the Owner, His rightful portion. The more we are given, the more will be expected of us. "Those to whom much is given, much is expected."

Why Pledge?

Stewardship pledges are critical to the activities and ongoing operation of our parish, and they are St. George's central funding source. Your stewardship contributions help support the following:

  • Religious Services and Sacraments
  • Religious Counseling
  • Visitations to the Hospitalized and Home-Bound
  • Sunday School (Over 450 Students) & Greek School (Over 250 Students)
  • Outreach Programs to Assist those in Need (e.g., Feed the Hungry, Area Food Banks, Bishop George Philanthropic Fund, etc.)
  • Youth and Athletic Programs (e.g., Little Angels, Joy, Hope, Goya, Young Adult League, Basketball Teams)
  • Cultural & Social Programs
  • Utilities, Maintenance, Repairs and Housekeeping
  • Administrative Staff
  • Mortgage Reduction
  • Church Information, Website, Publications, and Mailings
  • Archdiocese Ministries

Your strong financial stewardship commitment provides ongoing benefits. For example, annual Sunday School dues are waived for St. George stewards in good standing. Thank you for supporting the religious training and preparation of our youth.

Please consider how your contributions will be returned when determining your 2005 Stewardship commitment.

True Stewardship Parish

St. George continues to strive to become a True Stewardship Parish. A True Stewardship Parish is a parish where:

  • All financial and outreach needs are met through stewardship contributions
  • All religious education and Sunday School classes are provided without fees
  • Greek School , dance classes, and other cultural events and activities are available to everyone with no additional fees
  • Sports teams have adequate equipment and uniforms that are provided by the Church
  • Money raised by festivals, auctions, and other major fund raising events are used for expanded philanthropic efforts and to support community expansion - not relied on to support operations

How Much?

Our faithful rightly do not want to be told how much to give, but, everyone wants a guideline.  The Stewardship Pledge Card provides general guidelines.  In the end, you may give what you are able to before Lord.  The story of the Widow's Mite in the Gospel teaches us that blessings come to those who give from their want as well as their plenty.  If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact  the Church Office or member of the Committee (listed below)

Employee Matching Gift Programs

Contact your employer's benefits coordinator to determine whether or not your employer provides matching contributions benefits.

Stewardship Committee

  • Keith Barberis (Chairperson)
  • Basil Assimakopulos
  • Rea Assimakopoulos
  • Julia Inglesis
  • George Papageorge
  • Pete Pappas
  • Steven Vlahos