Stewardship is everything we do after we say, “We believe…” It is our living relationship with God. Stewardship is our response to the many gifts we receive from God. It is our personal recognition of God’s grace (unearned favor). It is our response to God’s unconditional love and salvation through Jesus Christ, and the gift of grace through the Holy Spirit.

Stewardship involves our whole being-our talent, time and effort, and financial resources. It is how we express to God our appreciation for the gift of life in Jesus Christ using his Church as an instrument through which we dedicate ourselves.

Stewardship is not simply about money. Stewardship is a fundamental of Christian discipleship. It is about how we live and how we give. What do we give to God in response for all that has been given to us? We give in response to the gifts of unconditional love, salvation, and grace. Most people find giving their time and talent easy, almost natural. Giving our treasure seems more difficult for many people.

Each of us has been spiritually enriched in years past by participating in a prayerful consideration of how we allocate God’s Gifts to us. Your tithe and offering should be a byproduct of prayerful consideration as God works on your conscience.

At Covenant we have traditionally talked about “stewardship” only once during the year therefore the main emphasis was on financial needs and giving. In the Spring of 2003 we began to remind each other that stewardship is a year-round subject. In the Fall we are looking forward to the coming year’s programs and the need to finance those activities. In the Winter and Spring we emphasize how each of us can offer our time and talent in Christ’s service through teaching, mission, singing or simply cleaning up after church suppers.

Pledging is intended to help the Session and program director’s budget for the ongoing activities of the church. It is not essential that you submit a pledge but it makes the management of the church’s activities much easier. You are encouraged to pledge what you believe God is calling you to give and then adjust to your personal income experience as the year goes along.

The Session is charged with the responsibility of managing the affairs of Covenant. The Session consists of 19 ordained elders, one-third of whom are elected each year to a three-year term by the Congregation. This is in keeping with the Book of Order and the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA).