ABOUT GIFTS FROM GOD
We know that God gives us gifts, yet often we mistake them for coincidence, luck, or our own effort. So, this year during our stewardship campaign, we aim to open our eyes to the gifts God has already given, the moments, the miracles, the people, and the grace we might otherwise walk right past.
This year, we're asking you to see your giving toSt. Andrew's not as an expense, but as a gift you get to give back. When you go to God in prayer and consider your giving for the next year, go in a spirit of gratitude. Be grateful for what God has given you. Be grateful for what God has givenSt. Andrew's through you and through every member here. And be grateful for the gifts God makes possible because of it.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
Prayerfully consider what portion of your resources you can give to St. Andrew's this year. This is an estimate, a number you can prayerfully hope to live up to or beyond. If your circumstances change, your giving can change too.
Your estimate helps us plan our ministries, staffing, and budget for the year ahead. Thank you for helping us give even more gifts from God atSt. Andrew's this year.
A Week of VBS
Scott's family couldn't afford to send their son, Ian, to VBS, and they were nervous too. Ian is on the autism spectrum, and they weren’t sure how he’d handle a week away from what he knew. We told Scott to come anyway. We'd cover the cost, and he could stay close by all week to keep an eye on his son. Ian loved it. He loved it so much that on the last day, he went home with a CD of VBS music, and he played it constantly. When Scott's family moved out of state, the CD went with them. Ian would put on his headphones and belt out those songs he was still at VBS. He told his family more than once that it was one of the best weeks of his life. Years later, as Ian got older, he started asking his parents about getting baptized. They hadn't found a new church home yet, so they went looking. They found one, got involved, and in time Ian was baptized. A free week of VBS became the tether that kept one family connected to the church, and the gateway that brought one child into the family of God.
Teddy
At the end of a random summer church service, a six-year-old boy navigates to the "church" screen on his talker. Teddy's non-verbal. Words don't come easy for him, but on this Sunday something in him is stirring. As the whole congregation moves through the blessing, "the blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be upon you," and the dismissal, "Let us bless the Lord," "Thanks be to God," he taps his screen. Tap. Tap. Tap. His mom looks down. "Trinity." "Thanks be to God." "Amen." Teddy wasn't just following along. He understood. Gifts from God come in mysterious ways, beyond our understanding. And every so often, they come with the gift of a voice to speak to them.
Extras
Five men from St. Andrew's are sitting around a film set. They are extras in an independent film, waiting for a few seconds of silver screen glory. Nearby is another extra about their age. The St. Andrew's men wave him over to join their conversation. Between the takes and small talk, they invite him to church. In the days between the shoot and Sunday morning, the man is diagnosed with cancer. He shows up at St. Andrew's because of their invitation. The five guys have no idea of the gift they have given: an altar to kneel at that morning, as tears fall from his eyes. Neither he nor the guys who invited him know that a conversation on a movie set will lead to a gift from God, given through five men who are just passing time.
Finding Her People
Hayden went to her mom, Alexandra, and told her what she needed. Not just friends, she needed a community. Alexandra suggested they look for a church with a strong youth ministry, somewhere Hayden could find friend and hopefully a community. They visited St. Andrew's, and Hayden found her people almost right away. What Hayden’s family didn’t expect was that God had more in mind than a youth group for their daughter. Gary, Alexandra and Hayden didn't come looking for a church home. They came looking for community for a teenager. They left as a family who had found their church.
INTENTION OF SPENDING
Where we see a budget or a pie chart, God sees opportunities to change lives, heal hearts, love others and give gifts we never could have planned for. That doesn't mean we shouldn't look at the chart; it makes the chart matter even more.
Gifts to the capital campaign are supposed to be over and above this regular giving.
It is vital for our growth and financial health that we cover our ongoing expenses of our operating giving.
Most importantly, funding our ministries and operations will enable us to be ready to welcome the gift of growth and new people God will be sending us when the building opens.
BREAKDOWN
Worship & Music: 17% ($179,000)
Children, Youth & Family: 13% ($136,600)
Formation, Fellowship & Pastoral Care: 9% ($101,600)
Outreach: 8% ($88,900)
Leadership & Evangelism: 8% ($89,100)
Administration, Bookkeeping & Technology: 14% ($151,700)
Facility & Grounds: 17% ($184,100)
Diocesan Assessment: 14% ($140,300)
2027 Total: $1,071,300
Watch: Sermons from Gifts from God
“Gifts from God” | The Rev. Andrew Van Kirk
This sermon will be available after October 18, 2026
This sermon will be available after October 25, 2026