2018 Stewardship PacketSt. George Greek Orthodox Church

425 N. 58th Ave Hollywood, Florida 33331office@stgeorgehollywood.org

WE ARE STEWARDS OF THE WORK WE DO

Whatever work you do, dedicate it to God, keep Him present and glorify Him by applying the gifts He has given you. Leave the work better than you found it.

Everything we offer and everything we have is a gift from God. As stewards of God's gifts, we return to Him a portion of our time, talents and treasures for Christ's work on earth through His Church.

The St. George Stewardship Program is an opportunity to respond to Christ's love by perpetuating His ministry through the Church. Stewardship places the responsibility to support the Church exactly where it belongs, on us.

Stewardship - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a Steward of the parish?

Stewardship in the Orthodox Church begins at baptism (Chrismation for some) and continues throughout our life. We are united with Christ through the sacraments, or mysteries, of the Church and through our faithful offering of our entire selves to Jesus Christ. Our Archdiocese requires each parish to distinguish between voting stewards and non-voting stewards. A voting steward is over 18 years of age and turns in a signed stewardship commitment card, committing a portion of time, talent, and treasure to the Church. The Archdiocese also requires the voting steward to remain current through the year on their commitments. Keep in mind that true stewardship in the Body of Christ involves living according to His word and within His Church.

Why must I commit to give a specific amount?

As with any budget, it helps to know what we can expect so we can plan our expenditures. Pledges let us know what you can commit. Also keep in mind that your stewardship amount is kept in the strictest of confidence. However, we do compile the amounts anticipated to better plan our budget.

What if I cannot fulfill my stewardship commitment?

During the course of a year, people’s circumstances change. Your stewardship is valued because it is made out of your love for God and His Church. Please do not be concerned if you are unable to meet your stewardship commitment – we are glad you are a part of this parish. God asks only that you enter into a good-faith commitment, not a legal contract. You can make changes brought about by new circumstances (positive or negative) simply by contacting the Church office.

What is the Annual Stewardship Campaign?

The Annual Stewardship Campaign is a parish-wide process to encourage regular participation in parish life through financial commitment to Christ and His Church. In addition, we pray for commitment of time and talents from every steward, including children. There are multiple ways for all ages to get involved in parish life, and involvement will only deepen one’s bond with Christ. Stewardship commitments are offered on a calendar year basis from January to December.

When does the Annual Stewardship Campaign end?

Because true stewardship is a way of life, there is, strictly speaking, never a time of year when it is ignored or forgotten. However, our goal is to have every current steward-household return a pledge card by March 31 and commit to regular, monthly payments of that pledge throughout the year.

Why does the Orthodox Church encourage annual stewardship commitments from its stewards?

The philosophy of the Orthodox Church is to take as much of the daily focus off finances as possible. By making an annual commitment, you provide the security that operating expenses of the Church will be underwritten through stewardship. This will allow us to move forward with our real work of being Disciples of Christ, which includes not only evangelization and community service, but also the education, nurturance, and support of our own parish community.

What is the projected operating budget for this year?

Our projected operating budget is approximately $393,702.78

What does stewardship help pay for?

Our Church is like any other parish. Children are baptized and others are married here. Each Sunday and throughout the week your Church presents a rich liturgical experience. We offer ministries that include Religious Education, Youth programs, adult education, and more.

In addition, we have expenses, including: priest and staff salaries, payroll taxes, and health insurance; facility utilities, maintenance, and insurance; administrative expenses such as office supplies, computers, printers, and copiers; and informational publications such as our web site and mail campaigns. These are all expenses you would expect a thriving, growing parish to incur in getting its message out to the world.

How much stewardship is needed to fund our operating expenses?

With approximately 100-160 households supporting a $394k budget, average donations do not tell the whole story. Some may be able to give more, others less. Our focus should be on what each of us can afford as our fair share.

What is the difference between stewardship and our fundraising campaigns?

Stewardship covers basic operating expenses. Other donations are specific to raise funds for additional needs not covered by stewardship, such as added programs, iconography and major structure repairs.

Doesn’t the festival cover most of our expenses?

No. Festival funds are viewed as supplemental revenue to our operating budget. It should not be our main source of income. Currently, the festival does not net enough profit to cover basic expenses.

What is the best way to fulfill my stewardship pledge?

Stewardship is most appropriately understood as an obligation not unlike utilities and rent. So we encourage you to make regular, monthly payments at the same time you sit down to pay your other bills. The Church has made fulfilling your pledge so easy with a variety of payment methods: credit card, reoccurring payment, cash, or check. Offering envelopes are available on request from the Church Office.

What about the time and talents portion of my commitment?

There are a variety of ministries geared toward -all age levels. Religious Education, Adult Education, Lending Library, Philoptochos, GOYA, Greek School, to name a few. But, if you have a talent or interest not currently represented in one of our programs, we’d love to hear about it. Please contact parish council president to volunteer (info listed below).

Is my commitment that important?

Absolutely! We all want the Church to be there for us. If our Orthodox community is to remain healthy, we each need to contribute our fair share, understanding that the expenses and work of the Church go on whether or not we are in attendance. More importantly, demonstrating thanksgiving to God in a concrete way is the best way of going through life with an “attitude of gratitude” for all that He has given us.

How much should I give and how often?

The Old Testament laid down the standard of the tithe or 10% of one's income. This provides us with the principle that giving should be proportionate with our income. Stewardship is returning to God a fair proportion of the resources He has given to us.

The more we are given, the more is expected of us. "Everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required." (Luke 12:48) Stewards determine what percentage of their income will be committed to Christ and the Church.

St. Paul tells us: "On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income." (1 Cor. 16:2) Every Sunday we should be prepared

to make our Stewardship contribution to the Church in accordance with the Lord's generosity to us personally. Supporting the Church should be a priority for every Orthodox Christian and performed on a regular and consistent basis.

Consider how your expenditures on personal entertainment compare with your Stewardship pledge. Is your Stewardship simply a token donation? Or is your Stewardship pledge a personal manifestation of "Giving Thanks to the Lord" for all your blessings from Him?

Who can I contact if I have questions?

Please contact the church office or Fr. Ioannis at 954-966-1898. You may also contact our Parish Council President, Eleni Demirtzoglou at 317-652-6645.

Stewardship – Tax Deduction

What percentage of Church giving can be taken off Federal Taxes?

When you prepare your federal tax return, the IRS allows you to deduct the donations you make to churches. If your church operates solely for religious and educational purposes, your donation will qualify for the tax deduction. As long as you itemize your deductions, you can generally claim 100 percent of your church donations as a deduction.

Itemized deduction requirementThe donations you make to your church throughout the year can be deducted from your taxes only if you itemize your expenses on Schedule A when you file your personal tax return. To use Schedule A, your total itemized deductions must exceed the standard deduction for your filing status. If the standard deduction provides a greater tax benefit, your church donations won't offer any additional tax savings. However, you can deduct those donations in any of the next five tax years that you choose to itemize deductions.

Limitations on annual church donations The total of your church donations plus all other charitable contributions you make during the year cannot exceed 50 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI). If it does, then you cannot deduct 100 percent of your donations in the current tax year. However, the amounts you can't deduct this year can be used as a deduction on one of your next five tax returns.

Donating cash to a church The IRS has various record-keeping and documentation requirements, depending on the amount of cash you donate to a church. Whenever you make a cash donation to your church, you must retain either a receipt, canceled check or a bank or credit card

statement. It's not necessary for you to send these to the IRS, but if the agency ever contacts you for proof of your donations, you are required to have the documentation. However, if any single donation is greater than $250, you must also obtain a written acknowledgment from the church. This acknowledgment should include the donation amount, a description of any goods or services provided to you in exchange for your donation and a statement that the remaining benefit you receive is an intangible religious one. If you do receive goods or services in the exchange, you must reduce your deduction by their value.

Donating property to a church When you donate property to a church, the tax laws require you to assess the fair market value of each item. You may choose any valuation method, as long as it gives a reasonable estimate of the price a buyer would pay for similar property on the open market. For example, it is reasonable to obtain an independent appraisal on a precious stone you donate to the church; providing your own estimate without having any knowledge of gems is not an acceptable valuation method. As long as your estimate is reasonable, you can still claim a deduction for 100 percent of the value.

The above information is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or

any other business and professional matters that affect you.

Estate Planning

Many are interested in leaving some of their money to cost-effective charities or not for profit organizations when they die, such as to St. George. If you do not yet have a will, this guide will put you in the right direction to begin the process. Morbid though the topic inevitably is, you will find this information helpful!

It’s worth noting that writing a will is a prudent thing to do. If you die without one, your assets will be distributed according to the law rather than according to your own wishes.

Just a few of the other reasons to take the time to write a will include:

Reducing the inheritance tax incurred - leaving money to charity or not for profit organizations being an excellent way to do so.

Making provisions for your children, if you have any, for example by choosing who will take care of them and setting aside funds for this.

Making any other necessary provisions, such as for your pets, or your business, or other responsibilities that you have.

Specifying what sort of funeral you would like, which will spare your family from having to make the decision.

Declaring that you would like your organs donated. (Be sure to tell your next of kin about this in case it comes up unexpectedly).

Naming your executors (family members are a standard choice).

Step one: decide how much you want to leave to charity

The main choice here is whether you want to bequeath a fixed amount to your chosen charity, or else first make provisions for your near and dear and then leave the remainder to a charity. If you go for the first option, you simply need to add a clause to your will specifying the amount and the charity or not for profit that you pick. If you pick the second option, you’ll need to add a clause like the following at the end of your will:

"MY TRUSTEES shall stand possessed of the residue of the said monies and of such of my estate as remains for the time being unsold UPON TRUST for [insert the charity that you pick, Example: St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Hollywood, Florida], AND I DECLARE that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper Officer for the time being of the aforesaid body shall be a good and sufficient discharge to my Trustees in respect of the same."

Here, “the residue of the said monies” refers to the money that is left over after the provisions made in previous clauses. For example, if you want to leave your personal effects and the first $20,000 of your savings to a relative before giving the remainder to charity, you would first have your will state this, and afterwards add a clause like the above. The exact language varies; you should ensure that the language you use is appropriate in your state or country (if outside of Florida/USA).

Step two: pick a method for writing your will

One of the reasons why so many people die without a will every year is that they don’t realize how easy writing a will really is unless your financial affairs or wishes are unusually complex. It is possible to do it yourself by using a template, although you should be aware that using a lawyer is the safest option as it will ensure that your will is valid.

Step three: consider inheritance tax

In most countries leaving money to charity will reduce the inheritance tax payable. For example, in the US, gifts to charities are exempt from federal wealth transfer taxes, gift and estate taxes, and appear to be exempt from state taxes.

Step four: pick your charities and find out how to leave money to them

You’ll need to specify your chosen charity or not for profit, for example, St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Hollywood, FL. Note that only charities that are tax-deductible in your state/country will entitle you to inheritance tax breaks.

Step five: make your will

Now that you’ve made the key decisions you can make your will via the method you picked in step two. You will need to sign and date it with witnesses, who will also need to sign it. You’ll then simply need to follow the requirements for storing it. Wills are often stored by solicitors, although in many countries you can instead keep a copy in a safe place at home. Either way, be sure to tell the executors that you’ve named St. George or other charities in your will and advise where it is stored.

RETURN TO GOD HIS OWN GIFTS (Deut. 16:10, 16-17)No one shall appear before the Lord empty-handed, but

each of you with as much as he can give, in proportion to the blessings which the Lord God has bestowed on you."

2018 Stewardship & Contact Information Form

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIPEMAIL

NEW STEWARD?

Yes No

2018 commitment to St. George

I/We understand that by completing this good faith estimate, and by committing my/our Time, Service and Stewardship, I/We shall be steward(s) in good standing of Saint George Greek Orthodox Church during 2018.

Frequency of Payment

Annually (by March 1st) Quarterly (First of each quarter) Monthly (10th of each month) Weekly (Wednesday’s)

Payment Method

Check (Made out to St. George Greek Orthodox Church of Hollywood)

Electronic Funds Transfer (please complete additional form attached)

Credit Card (please complete additional form attached)

Estate Planning

Please have someone contact me/us regarding estate planning so that the gifts I/we have been given can carry on for generations to come!

Our operating budget for 2018 is $393,702.78. We offer you this giving guide to assist you in determining your 2018 pledge. Please use this card and give

accordingly based on that which God has blessed you and your family.

Annual Income 2%Weekly

5%Weekly

10%Weekl

y$15,000 $6 $14 $28$25,000 $10 $24 $48$35,000 $13 $34 $68$45,000 $17 $43 $86$65,000 $25 $64 $128$100,000 $38 $96 $192

2018 Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) & Credit/Debit Card Authorization Form

I/we __________________________________authorize St. George to deduct my/our stewardship contribution for the amount specified on the stewardship form from the account identified below. I understand that this authorization shall continue until I/we change/cancel by providing a written notice at least 30 days in advance of the desired change/cancellation. I/we agree to submit a pledge annually. Automatic debit shall occur monthly on the 10th or weekly (each Wednesday).

CREDIT CARD

Name on card

Card Number

Expiration Date CVV (last 3 digits on back of card)

Zip Code Signature & Date

Phone

Email

EFT (Checking Account) -PLEASE ATTACH A VOIDED CHECK-

Name on AccountBank Name

Routing NumberAccount Number Signature & DatePhone

Email

This completed stewardship form and the commencement of the Stewardship contribution must occur before 3/1/2018 to participate in General Assemblies of the Parish.

2018 Family Contact InformationName Spouse

Orthodox Christian Yes No

Orthodox Christian Yes No

Date of Birth Date of Birth

Email Email

Home Phone Home Phone

Mobile Phone Mobile Phone

Address Address

City/State/Zip City/State/Zip

Child #1 (Legal name and Baptismal Name)

Gender Male Female

Orthodox Christian

Yes No

Date of Birth

Child #2 (Legal name and Baptismal Name)

Gender Male Female

Orthodox Christian

Yes No

Date of Birth

Child #3 (Legal name and Baptismal Name)

Gender Male Female

Orthodox Christian

Yes No

Date of Birth

Child #4 (Legal name and Baptismal Name)

Gender Male Female

Orthodox Christian

Yes No

Date of Birth

Child #5 (Legal name and Baptismal Name)

Gender Male Female

Orthodox Christian

Yes No

Date of Birth

Publication/Website Photo Permission Form (For children and youth ages 17 and under)

Please complete, sign, and return to the church office. To be completed by the child’s parent or legal guardian (please check one):

______ I DO grant St. George Greek Orthodox Church (“Church”) the perpetual, royalty-free right to use my child/children’s photo(s) in any manner, including but not limited to printed material, the Church website at www.stgeorgehollywood.org, the Church Facebook page, and other social media

operated by the Church. I understand my child’s photo will be available to the general public and I further understand that the Church assumes no liability or responsibility whatsoever concerning any consequences of such use. I further state that I have the right to give this permission as I am the child’s/children’s parent or legal guardian. I understand that if I give notice to the Parish Office in writing that I object to any particular photograph utilized by the Church, the photo will be removed as soon as possible. I understand that my child’s/children’s names and other personal, identifying information will not be included on any material unless prior permission is obtained from the parent or legal guardian. I understand I have the right to revoke this permission at any time so that the Church will no longer have permission to use photos of my child/children in publications thereafter.

_______ I DO NOT grant St. George Greek Orthodox Church permission to use my child’s/ children’s photo(s) in any manner. I further state that I have the right to refuse this permission, as I am the child’s/ children’s parent or legal guardian.

Name(s) of child/children (please print):

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

___________________________________________

Printed Name of Parent or Legal Guardian: ___________________________________________

Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian: ___________________________________________

Date: __________/___________/__________