Each year in October we take some time to focus on Stewardship and what that means as we grow in our faith and relationship with God.

Thank you! Thank you very much!

Dear Walton Friends,

What a year it has been so far! COVID-19 has brought about unprecedented change for
all of us. Since March 15th the church has been closed and we have been unable to
gather in our traditional way. But we have also shown how resilient we are. Our
incredible staff and volunteers have been created weekly recorded services, Sunday
School activities and hymn-sings, and Jim has provided mid-week updates. Services
have been mailed out to those who have requested it because they can’t access our
online services. Many other programs have moved to online options including our
Senior Youth and Choir programs.

This year our Stewardship Committee wants to give a huge shout out to all of you who
have continued your amazing support of our Walton community. Despite the changes,
your financial support has continued. Although we aren’t meeting weekly in person we
are only about 4% lower than budget for our envelope givings. This is fantastic,
especially since we know that many have been faced huge financial challenges. In
addition, our awesome staff have been able to apply for, and receive, a number of
government grants. Together with your generosity, this means that even without rental
and fundraising income we are in a much better financial position than we would have
expected.

Given all the uncertainty, this year we aren’t including our Estimate of Givings.

Instead, we just want to say a huge THANK YOU to all of our Walton family for your
continued support. We are in this together, we are connected through God and will
remain a committed family of faith.

Thank you, thank you very much.

Rev Jim and Tricia Blakely, Stewardship Chair

Walton Memorial United Church is a registered non-profit organization that relies on contributions from its member, adherent and friends to accomplish our Mission and Ministries. Our small but dedicated team ensures even the smallest contributions go a long way to offer Ministry and programming in the areas of Worship, Learning, Caring and Reaching out as we continue to live out God’s transforming love in so many faith-filled ways. Please donate here.

“Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” ~ Deuteronomy 15:10

Walton’s Stewardship committee works in collaboration with both Administrative and Ministerial staff to deliver a holistic Stewardship program at Walton. The Stewardship Program at Walton includes Year-Round Congregational Stewardship with a focus on Six Best Practices.

Operational Management
Stewardship Integration in Worship
Stewardship Formation
Stewardship Leadership
Spiritual-Nurture Opportunities
Engagement in Outreach Activities

Annual programs supported by the Stewardship Committee:

Our PAR program – Pre-Authorized Remittance or PAR is a program administered by the United
- Church of Canada allowing members to give regularly to the church – even when they are away or on vacation! We know that as our membership in the PAR program increases so to does our financial stability and our ability to forecast and plan for the future.
Fall Annual Givings Review — each year we celebrate stewardship at Walton and ask members and adherents to assist in the budgeting process by making estimates of their annual giving.
Annual Narrative Budget — the Annual Narrative Budget helps tell the congregation’s story and connects the Time, Talent and Treasures we invest with the congregation’s ministries
Special Needs and Capital Projects: some years, we require special efforts to meet unusual needs or capital projects. Stewardship leads fundraising initiatives to meet these needs.

In recent years, special fundraising initiatives have included:

2014 – Heating revitalization and Air Condition Installation in the Sanctuary
2011 – Restoration of our 100-year-old Stained Glass Windows
2005 – Repairs on the church foundation after a collapsed wall
2003 – Repainting of the church