The Saint Demetrios parish embraced the concept of Stewarship in 1986. Prior to that time, the budget of the church was funded by dues, pledge drives, fund raisers and donations. After much consideration, dues and pledge drives were elimiated and the budget has been sustained since 1986 by stewardship commitments, fund raisers and donations. No minimum commitment has every been established. During the fall Stewardship drive, each parishioner is asked to pryerfully consider how much she/he is able to give to God's Church. Parishioners have faithfully fulfilled their financial obligation with an approximate 98% return on commitments exceeding all previous efforts.

Changes to the program have helped to keep it growing as the parish moves toward the ultimate goal of funding the budget through Stewardship commitments. Monthly reminders, instead of weekly envelopes, were introduced in 1995. Trays have been elimiated during service except at holiday liturgies, and candles are received through a free will offering.

In addition to financial awareness, we have continually encouraged participation in Church life through the giving of time and talent. It is hoped that as stewardship participation grows, Church fund-raising activites will be held to promote fellowship rather than to sustain budgetary needs.

Our stewardship commitments have certainly grown over the past 19 years. In fact, over the past decade our stewardship commitments have increased nearly 100%.