of CANTERBURY
2026 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN​
Who will you serve?
Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
JOSHUA 24:15
As I look back over the last year and the many changes we have seen I am excited about our future. First and foremost we have been blessed to add Tyler to the staff. We are also adding a paid nursery worker and Sunday School teacher to the staff as well. The hope is to increase the likelihood of young families coming and staying at our parish. Tyler's presence has allowed us to expand our Christian Education offerings and our ability to do more clergy visits with those who are homebound or in the hospital. As I write this we have 4 different Bible Study classes going on each week that minister to approximately 60 people. We also continue to grow our outreach opportunities and the impact we are having on the world. The numbers are important, but they aren’t what’s most important. ​
Seeing people grow in their faith and commitment to God is what is most important and I see signs of that every week. ​​One of the most important ways we express that commitment is through stewardship. Your giving allows us to grow our ministries, but more importantly it is an opportunity for you all to express your thankfulness to God. You will get tired of hearing me say that stewardship is first and foremost a spiritual matter. What we do with our time, talent, and money is the clearest indicator of what truly matters to each of us. During this season my hope is that you will wrestle with your stewardship. Wrestle with tithing 10% as the standard. Asking God for guidance along the way, and trusting that he will lead if you will follow.
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Thank you and God Bless,
​Father Wes Shields
Why Stewardship matter?
How pledges
support the mission?
How we steward the gifts we have received tells a lot about who we are and what matters to us. We are called to give of our time, talent, and treasures. It is not one or the other, and it begins with the recognition that we have been blessed. That is why I keep saying that this is a spiritual matter and not a financial matter. It is our hearts that God is concerned with and not our wallet. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Our pledges support our mission first and foremost by allowing us to gather for worship, service,
encouragement and to challenge one another to grow in our faith. In terms of dollars and cents, the majority of our budget goes to staff. That is especially true with the addition of Tyler this year. His presence allows us to expand our christian education offerings, and increase our visitations to those who are sick or shut in. We are doing a lot in the lives of our parishioners and those outside our walls, but we can do more, and with your support I look forward to seeing where we grow.
Fr. Tyler Bean
Why do we pledge?
Valerie Reich
Bart Jones
Tony Tulumello
How is it allocated?
Building / Grounds
Christian Education
Pastoral Care
Parish Life
Personnel
Personnel
Parish Life
Outreach
Outreach
Pastoral Care
Your pledge supports all
these and more.
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Do You Have Questions About Your Pledge?
What is pledging? Pledging is your heartfelt, faithful spiritual practice to financially support St. Augustine’s ministries and programs in the year ahead. It is a personal example of gratitude that you have for all our God has given to you and your family.
Why not simply make non-pledge contributions? Pledges provide the Vestry with an estimate of expected income essential to the preparation of the church’s annual budget. St. Augustine’s simply cannot operate and thrive without a reasonable estimate of its financial resources. Your pledge reinforces the importance of God and St. Augustine’s in your life.​
How much should I pledge? Your pledge is a personal decision between God, you and your family. It should be grounded in your faith, love and commitment to God’s work through St. Augustine’s. It requires reflection, prayer, and priority. Traditionally, we consider a pledge amount that is 10% of our income. Scripture tells us: “A tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain or fruit, is the Lord's, and is holy.” (Leviticus 27:30)
Examples of our Pledges at Work
Shining Light Garden
Shining Light Garden grows produce that is distributed to our neighbors in need via local food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other assistance programs throughout Indian River County. In addition to helping out at the farm, St. Augustine's has donated money towards the purchase of a new tractor.
The Source
Providing meals, clothing, showers and laundering facilities as the only drop-in outreach center in IRC. Also operates the Dignity Mobile Food Truck.
Adult Christian Education
St. Augustine's offers an open and engaging learning environment with Evening Bible Study, Women's Bible Study Group and
Wednesday Bible Study. TK TK TK TK
School Supplies
School Supply Drive support students, families, teachers and schools in Indian River County. Providing school supplies for these students, financially assists families, empowers students to learn by starting school fully prepared, and gives support to teachers.
POPS Fund
The Outreach committee administers a POPS Fund, which is funded by an anonymous donor and matched with parish funds, to assist local, national, and international charitable organizations.
Angel Tree
The Angel Giving Tree is a cherished holiday tradition that brings joy to children in need. Community members are invited to select an “angel tag” from the tree, each representing a child and listing their name, age, and Christmas wish list. Participants purchase gifts for their chosen child and return them to be distributed in time for Christmas.
Please put aside to some time today to look through your Stewardship package. May we all come together and give generously. We need everyone’s support of St. Augustine’s this year more than ever before. May God bless you for your generosity!
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Questions about your pledge? Feel free to reach out to Fr. Wes