Stewardship
Everything we have is a gift from God, so giving of time, talent and money is a response to these gifts and to God’s love and care for us. Financial giving supports the work and mission of the Church, and deepens our sense of community. The General Convention of the Episcopal Church has affirmed the tithe (10% of our income) as the biblical standard of giving, and we encourage our members to grow in faith, trust, commitment, and thanksgiving by moving toward this goal.
In that spirit, St. Anselm's uses a portion of the gifts we receive, to support other worthy and important causes, some of which are listed below. So gifts to St. Anselm's are also gifts to our wider community.
St. Anselm’s invites parishioners to share the blessings of their bounty through regular contributions, as well as special calls for gifts to support the causes we care about. To make giving easy, we have set up an online giving portal called Zeffy. Please use it for regular pledges and for special gifts towards drives like the ones listed below. Or if you prefer, you can offer gifts during service time when the plate is passed or send in a check to the congregation office at 682 Michael Lane, Lafayette CA 94549. St. Anselm's tax id # is: 94-6050081
How to Give
Outreach
Each year a portion of St. Anselm's operating budget is set aside for charity. In addition, throughout the year we identify meaningful local non-profit agencies addressing the needs of Contra Costa County and bay area residents to which we invite parishioners to make direct and in-kind gifts.
Here is an example of some of charitable outreach efforts:
Vestia Gifts
We have provided Christmas gifts for the children of some of Contra Costa County’s neediest families through the Vestia program. Parishioners bought gifts on an age-specific wish list provided by Vestia. The gifts were then delivered to Vestia, which distributes them to the families. The gifts range from practical (warm clothing) to fantastical (mountain bikes).
Heifer Project
We provided farm animals, such as cows, pigs, and sheep, for impoverished families in developing nations through Heifer Project International (HPI). The families use the animals or animal products (meat, milk or wool) for their own needs or as a supplement to the family income. The family agrees to pass any offspring on to other needy families in the community. Like a stone dropped in still water, these gifts ripple out for years to come.
Shelter Meals
Members of the parish have prepared and served dinners at the North Concord Shelter for the homeless. The residents greatly appreciate the meals, and show their enthusiasm in a variety of ways such as compliments to the chefs, requests for seconds, and applause after dessert.
St. Anselm's, Lafayette Endowment
On October 22, 1960, St. Anselm’s was dedicated. In late 2024, in preparation for our parish’s 65th anniversary, St. Anselm’s Vestry voted to establish an endowment to support our parish's long-term continuity and vitality. Click the image above to download our endowment brochure. Photo from Architectural Forum, December, 1961.