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 2022
Dear Walton Friends,
Each year in October we take some time to focus on Stewardship and what that means for each one of us as we grow in our faith and relationship with God.
Our theme this year is, “The Fabric of Walton.”
Fabrics come in so many beautiful colours and patterns. Our community of Walton is like that as well. Like the threads that make up fabric, we all bring our time, talent and treasure to create a wonderful community of faith and caring. Each of us brings something different and woven together we are Walton.
During Stewardship we ask that you take time to reflect on your contributions to our community. This year, once again, our focus is on the general fund, which has continued to decline over the past few years. While rentals and other types of revenue are now coming in with the lifting of COVID restrictions, the general fund is an essential part of Walton’s fabric and supports all of our important ministries. This year, we are asking you to consider increasing your contribution to the general fund and ensure that we are able to continue to strengthen the fabric of Walton.
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11
Thank you for your continued support of Walton and blessings to you all.
Rev. Jim Gill and Tricia Blakeley, 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:
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.
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 to the church foundation after a collapsed wall
2003 – Repainting of the church
2022 – Commercial Kitchen
Current – Accessible front entrance
