Giving
Why Should You Tithe?
First, what is a tithe? Tithe literally means ‘tenth.’ As Christians, we’ve known tithing to be giving a tenth back to God. This is done usually through giving tithes to your church but isn’t restricted to just your church (an issue that can be debated in and of itself).
What does the Bible say?
The Old Testament gives instruction on tithing in many areas, but puts it succinctly:
Deuteronomy 14:22-23 (NIV)
“Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year. Eat the tithe of your grain, new wine and oil, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks in the presence of the LORD your God at the place he will choose as a dwelling for his Name, so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always.”
The question that immediately comes up is: Are we to follow the law of the Old Testament for tithing if we are under a New Covenant through Christ? Besides, the New Testament doesn’t explicitly tell us to tithe 10%, so why do it?
The New Testament focuses more on ‘giving’ and the attitude of your heart. The following verse summarizes giving from a New Testament perspective:
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The Stewardship Committee
Rev. Fr. Andrew Lentz, Pastor
Kosta Mathiellis, Parish Council President
Kelly Pallas, Financial Secretary
Toula Pyros
St. Demetrios Legacy Fund
Give a Gift that Goes on Forever
Please watchUnlike stewardship which is the annual renewal of our commitment to meet the immediate needs of our parish, the Legacy Fund is a perpetual source of long term support. 90% of the distributions from the fund will be used for the long term financial needs of the Church with an emphasis on capital improvements. The remaining 10% will be directed to fund philanthropic ministries including the charitable, cultural, religious, and educational needs of the church community and the community at large.
Your gift will be invested and managed professionally so that future earnings and appreciation can help to\ ensure that we can sustain our Church and faith for future generations. The Fund annually uses those earnings and appreciation to provide grants for facilities and philanthropy.
- Memorial in-lieu-of Flowers
- Pay tribute to a loved one or friend by designating the St. Demetrios Legacy Fund for your memorial donations
- Estate Planning
- Designate the Legacy Fund as a beneficiary of your estate or individual retirement account
- Direct Donation
- A gift from the heart
- Legacy Fundraising
- Event Participate in fundraising events for the Legacy Fund
Support Our Future
This fund was initially established by previous generations of parishioners who loved St. Demetrios Church and wanted the parish to continue to serve future generations.
Long-term preservation of our facilities
90% of grants
Maintenance, safety, and long-term upkeep of our beautiful Church and facilities where we gather to worship, pray, and enjoy fellowship with our families and friends.
Previous grants have included:
- Driveway and parking lot resurfacing and lighting
- Cultural Hall floor replacement
- Planned bathroom remodeling
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $135,000 |
| 2023 | $157,500 |
| 2021 | $135,000 |
| 2020 | $108,000 |
| Since inception (2016) | $824,500 |
Philanthropic ministries
10% of grants
Charitable, cultural, religious and educational needs of the church and the community.
Previous grants have included:
- Local and regional food banks
- Domestic violence and child advocacy support
- Disease prevention
- Speaker forums
- Education support for disadvantaged youth
| Year | Amount |
|---|---|
| 2024 | $15,000 |
| 2023 | $17,500 |
| 2021 | $15,000 |
| 2020 | $12,000 |
| Since inception (2018) |
$75,500 |