Each year, during the sacred season of Advent, All Saints Episcopal Church invites its members and parishioners to reflect on the spirit of giving and consider how they can support the life and ministry of our church. Whether through financial contributions or acts of service, this annual opportunity to give back allows us to come together as a community, strengthening our shared mission to serve God and one another. We encourage everyone to prayerfully consider how they can contribute to the work of the church during this meaningful time of preparation and anticipation.
A couple of weeks ago, Long-time All Saints Member Tootie Madden shared a heartfelt testimony about what giving means to her during during the service. Her words touched many of us, and she has graciously allowed us to share her story here so we can continue reflecting on this season of gratitude and generosity. As you read her experiences, we invite you to consider how you can support the mission and ministry of All Saints Episcopal Church through your own giving.
Reflections on Stewardship by Tootie
Stewardship is a term many of us know, but what does it truly mean? For me, it’s about the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to our care—or simply, “managing someone else’s property.” Scripture reminds us of this truth.
“All things come of thee, O Lord, and of Thine own have we given Thee.”
“The Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” (Psalm 24)
Stewardship means giving out of gratefulness for all we have, with prayer and thoughtfulness—not under pressure.
Lessons in Giving: A Childhood Foundation (1955-1959)
My stewardship story begins in my childhood. Between 1955 and 1959, we had children’s worship, and it was there that I learned beautiful truths through symbolism:
- The cross says God loves us.
- The flowers say we love God.
- The candles say Jesus is the light of the world.
These lessons stuck with me. I loved symbolism and cherished taking turns lighting the candles and passing the small collection plate. My parents often gave me a nickel or dime to contribute.
I’ll never forget one particular Sunday when my father handed my brother and me five dollars each for the plate. It was the day after my youngest brother was born, and I believe my dad’s generosity reflected his deep gratitude for the safe arrival of his third child and my mother’s wellbeing.
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Giving in Lean Times (1960-1968)
When I was a teen, my allowance was modest, but so were my expenses! Records cost 99 cents, and movies were just 35 cents. Even though I didn’t earn much, I squeezed out what I could to tithe. It wasn’t large, but it was my contribution, offered with the best intentions.
The Start of Adult Stewardship (1970-1972)
By the time I was a young adult, life had its challenges. I was married, raising a toddler, and working hard to make ends meet. During this time, I was approached by Marilyn Duncan as part of the Every Member Canvas (EMC)—a program encouraging parishioners to pledge financial support for the upcoming year.
At the time, I told Marilyn honestly, “You know my situation. I have no money to spare.”
She gently asked, “Can you pledge one dollar a week?”
Reluctantly, I said, “I guess.”
And so, my adult stewardship journey began—with just one dollar a week.
Learning and Growing in Stewardship
Over the years, I participated in various stewardship programs. Each encouraged personal reflection and a prayerful approach to giving. One of the most impactful lessons I learned was this:
Your pledge is between you and God.
You pray, you decide, and you give to the best of your ability, striving toward the biblical tithe of 10%. And remember—your priest doesn’t know what you pledge. Only the treasurer and a few others involved in accounting and budgeting see that information.
If you are unable to fulfill your pledge, that’s also between you and God. No one will repossess your pew or penalize you. Giving is about faith and trust, not fear.
From Deuteronomy reminds us of this approach to giving as worshipful obedience:
“There you are to bring everything I command you—your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, and all the choice possessions you have vowed to the Lord.”
A Lifetime of Giving (1973-Present)
Since that first dollar-a-week pledge, I have thoughtfully increased my giving year after year. Stewardship, for me, is about more than treasure. It also involves our time, talent, and for some, testimony. Sharing this story is as close as I come to giving testimony!
A Gratitude Practice
Stewardship can also take creative forms. For example, during Lent, we might launch a Blessing Jar Campaign. Here’s how it works:
Each day, think of your biggest blessing—a good doctor’s report, a kind gesture, or a meaningful conversation. Write it down on a slip of paper and put it in the jar along with some change. On the day before Easter, you count the money and reread all your blessings. It’s a meaningful way to reflect, give back, and truly count the many ways God shows up in our lives.
A Closing Encouragement
I want to end by sharing one of the most powerful Bible verses about giving, from Luke 6:38:
“Give, and it will be given to you—a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”
Stewardship is about faith in action. It’s managing what belongs to God with gratitude, thoughtfulness, and love. My prayer is that each of us will find meaningful ways to show our thankfulness through giving—whether it’s time, talent, treasure, or testimony.
Here is a link to the pledge letter by our Vicar Stepheya. PLEDGE LETTER
Here is a link to the pledge sheet. PLEDGE SHEET
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