Stewardship of our Mission

Maybe you’re familiar with the expression “what goes around, comes around.” We usually hear it in the context of someone who has done some wrong, inflicted some slight, or gotten away with something at someone else’s expense. Human nature often requires that we hope justice will be served. But what if we applied similar logic to good things and good behavior? What if the good things we do, and have, primed the pump that made all that good stuff possible in the first place — what if everything good that went around came around? Wouldn’t that be a nice thing to have happen? Maybe it already does.

How many times have you heard the term “blessing” used to describe the Episcopal Congregations of St. James’ Church? Chances are you’ve used it yourself. Whether you came through the doors of St. James’ for the first time 40 years ago, brought a lawn chair to the Beach Mass four years ago, or first sat in the pews of our mission church of St. Columba's just four months ago, and for whatever purpose, you are reading this because something or someone touched you and made you feel ... admit it‚ blessed. Whether you are someone who pledges as a matter of course, or someone who gives but never quite understood the need to make a formal financial commitment, we want you to think about that blessed feeling. Think of all the blessings you have in your life — and all the blessings you have derived from our parish — and say, “I am grateful, and I want those blessings to multiply!” We want you to prime that pump from which these blessing flow.

We’ll make it easy for you. There are pledge cards in the back of the church and in the parish office; you can also request one by emailing office@stjameshawaii.org. (You can also easily make a one-time pledge through our secure online giving platform.) Filling out a pledge card lets us know that you want to share the blessings in your life, knowing full well that those blessings will return to you. By sharing your blessings now, the Episcopal Congregations of St. James’ can plan their year and ensure that the blessings they provide will multiply and flow consistently throughout the year. Know too, that as your situation changes throughout the year, you can adjust your pledge to reflect those changes.

The 19th century French poet Jean de La Fontaine wrote: “What God does, he does well.” What God has done at St. James’ is no less than a miracle. A miracle made possible by you and your generosity of time, spirit, and prayer and resources. As you count your blessings, you can count on the congregations of St. James’. Can we count on you?

Frequently Asked Questions About Pledging 

Q. What is a pledge?

A. A pledge is your best estimate of what you will be able to give financially over a specific time period.

Q. Why does my pledge mean so much to the Episcopal Congregations of St. James’ Church?

A. This is the way that the church plans its budget. But, it is more, it is a commitment, one that enriches you. As you help the ministry at St. James’, the Beach Mass and St. Columba’s grow, you will grow.

Q. How much should I pledge?

A. Only you can decide what you can give. What you pledge is between you and God. It is an incredibly personal decision. It is something you should take into your prayer life and approach thoughtfully. Even more important than the amount you pledge is that you pledge. It is a tangible sign of your commitment. It says, “I am here and I am going to help.” For example, even a $1 a week pledge will pay the electric bill for about three days. The biblical standard of giving is a “tithe,” which is 10% of one’s income. Most of us have a hard time starting out doing that. So, pick a proportion and begin there. If you have been pledging for a while, think about increasing it or pick another percentage.

Q. How should I make my pledge?

A. You are free to choose how often you will give (weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.), as well as in what form you will give (checks, cash, stock gifts, etc., or via secure online donation etc.) If you pay your pledge by cash in the offering plate, please make sure it is designated towards your pledge. If it helps, we can provide you with envelopes. Simply indicate that you wish to receive them on your pledge card. Please note: If you wish to mail us a check for your pledge or other donation, be sure to use our mailing address of P.O. Box 278, Kamuela, HI 96743. (Mail sent to our street address will be returned as undeliverable.) Mahalo!

Q. What if I need to change my pledge?

A. Whether you need to move it up or down throughout the year, just let the parish office know in writing (via a note, email or by filling out a new pledge card). No questions asked. People’s circumstances often change. We understand that.

Q. Why should I pledge?

A. To support the many and varied ministries and outreach programs. Outreach at St. James’ includes our Community Meal, which serves 300-plus meals on a regular basis in Waimea and now half again as many in Pa‘auilo at our mission congregation, St. Columba’s. We also have a growing Youth Program that includes after-school tutoring and teen tech mentoring of seniors; Bible studies for men and women; and a choir, ‘ukulele group, vocalists and instrumentalists led by our music and choir directors. Music at St. James’ is central to our worship and a joy and comfort to our souls. We typically offer three worship services on Sunday (two at St. James’, one at St. Columba’s), one on Saturday (Beach Mass in Kawaihae), and weekly Morning Prayer at St. James’. When the Covid-19 pandemic caused suspension of in-person services, we expanded our online worship ministry to six days a week of Morning Prayer and a Sunday service of Holy Eucharist with “spiritual communion.”

Your plege will also help us pay the bills. Our life as a faith community is invaluable, and maintaining the St. James’ and St. Columba’s ministry and buildings takes all of us. Please join us . . . God is doing great things in and through our congregations.