2026 stewardship:

Home is where the heart is

Nurturing a parish where all God’s beloved children feel at home.

“Home” is not only where we gather, but where Christ’s light first takes root in us. We proclaimed the wonder of the Incarnation, that God chooses to dwell in human lives, in real communities, in the ordinary and the imperfect. From our heart we carry Christ’s light into the world, letting the light that shines here guide others and welcome them in.

At St. Matthew’s we strive to see Christ’s light in all people: in the joyful, the weary, the curious, and the hesitant who walk through our doors. That seeing shapes how we serve, how we give, and how we make a spiritual home that reflects God’s hope in the world. Our hospitality, our generosity, our ministries, and our stewardship all become ways of saying: the light that has found us here is meant to be shared.

Every gift—of time, attention, resources, or care—helps our community shine. From this home of belovedness, we carry the light that welcomes others into God’s love.

2026 Pledging link
Once you pledge set up regular giving here.

Stewardship faq

  • Through the 2026 liturgical year (beginning with our annual pledge campaign, continuing through Advent, Epiphany, Lent... etc) we are focusing on the theme of Home Is Where the Heart Is. Each season we will reflect on ways that we cultivate an openness of heart welcoming all God’s beloved children to find a home at St. Matthew’s.

    There will be opportunities to discern stewardship through volunteering, using your talents, and caring for the community in many ways.

  • A financial pledge commitment is one way you connect with God’s love in your life. It is a commitment to pray, work, and give to the flourishing of our local church.

    A pledge is a giving estimate of what you are able to give in the upcoming year.

  • St. Matthew’s is in the midst of growing ministries and programs which are opportunities for us to connect with God and community. The work of the church is to fully support and sustain small groups, children and youth programs, music ministries, and more through the operating budget, volunteer commitments, and clergy leadership. 

  • Giving to St. Matthew’s is a process of prayerful discernment and faith, it is treated with respect and confidentiality. We receive pledges that range from a few dollars a week, to several thousand dollars a month. In 2025 we received pledges from 62 different households, and exceeded our goal of $220,000. Whether you are pledging for the first time, or increasing your pledge, you are invited to prayerfully consider what amount feels most joyful and right for you.

  • You can give weekly or monthly online, cash or check, or you can consider a gift through estate planning too. You are encouraged to give through Realm online, and there are folks happy to help you set that up. You can email our treasurer, Chuck, at: treasurer@smecp.org.

  • At St. Matthew’s we approach stewardship as a year-round consideration of how we care for our community. There are many ways throughout the year to offer your time, or talent to support the work and ministry of our parish.