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.
October 2021
Dear Walton Friends,
Every year we take time in October to reflect on Stewardship and how we support Walton’s
ministry. Stewardship Sundays this year will be on October 17th and 24th and our theme is
“Bread and Butter.”
Bread is a staple in the bible and is mentioned over 490 times in scripture. The most important
of course, is Jesus, the bread of life. Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes
to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” John 6:32–35.
Bread and butter are also a staple in everyday life. For Walton, bread and butter is our general
fund. This fund is what pays our staff, keeps on the light and heat and funds our committees’
ministries. This is our focus for this year’s Stewardship campaign. Over the last number of
years, we have seen an overall decrease in givings to the general fund and although through
COVID we have managed through government grants, and this support will soon end. The good
news is the Kitchen in completed and paid for with donations and a government grant – no
general fund monies were used. At this time we ask that you consider what you give and if you
are able, to increase your support of the “Bread and Butter” general fund. Thank you.
These have been very challenging times and we recognize that everyone’s financial position is
unique. All contributions are deeply appreciated.
We look forward to returning to in-person services and being able to connect, once again, in our
beautiful sanctuary. Blessings to all.
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
1. Our PAR program – Pre-Authorized Remittance or PAR is a program administered by the United
2. Church of Canada allows 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.
3. 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.
4. 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
5. 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.
2014 – Heating revitalization and Air Condition Installation in the Sanctuary
2011 – Restoration of our 100-year-old Stained Glass Windows
2005 – Repairs to the church foundation after a collapsed wall
2003 – Repainting of the church
2022 – Commercial Kitchen
Current – Accessible front entrance
