Stewardship
Stewardship of our Mission
We are deeply touched by people who ask how they can participate and support our parish's mission and ministries. We couldn't carry out our ministries without you!
There are many ways to support St. James', including worshiping with us, praying with us, volunteering in our ministries, and giving financially.
We rely on the financial support of members and friends. Gifts of any amount are valued and important.
If you would like to make a pledge, 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. Your pledge allows our congregations to budget and plan their year. Recurring monthly gifts are especially helpful for us, as they grant us stability throughout the year. Please know that as your situation changes throughout the year, you can adjust your pledge at any time to reflect those changes.
You can also make a one-time donation through our secure online giving platform.
The 19th century French poet Jean de La Fontaine wrote: “What God does, he does well.” God is doing great things in and through our congregations. You make that possible through your generosity of time, spirit, prayer, and resources.
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 St. James’ and St. Columba's?
A. This is the way that the church plans its budget. But it is also a commitment to doing God's work with us.
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, please consider 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 650-plus meals each week in Waimea and now 250 meals each month in Pa‘auilo at St. Columba’s. We also have a growing Youth Program that includes after-school tutoring and an active junior and senior high youth group; 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’. We also offer an online worship ministry with Morning Prayer six days a week, and broadcasts of the weekend services.
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.