Why do we give? For Peter Mason, giving is a way of saying thank you. More than 20 years ago, he and his wife, Karen, found in Saint Peter’s an oasis from the busy and demanding pace of Northern Virginia, a place where they raised their daughter, Lucy, and found shelter through life’s storms. In this stewardship testimony, Peter reflects on how this community welcomed his questions and doubts, how friends here helped a former French horn player rediscover his love of music, and how Saint Peter’s has inspired him to use his gifts in service of God’s work. He invites each of us to do two things: to pledge, and to give something even more valuable, our time, starting small if we need to. His words remind us that whatever we give, we receive far more in return.

Why do we give? For Barbara Mattox, giving is a way to celebrate. It began on her first Sunday in the pews at Saint Peter’s, when someone turned to her and said, “Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.” In this stewardship testimony, Barbara reflects on how that welcome grew into friendships, a richer prayer life through the Daily Office, a Wednesday Bible study that became the joy of her week, and a day of serving alongside a neighbor in need. Her words remind us that giving doesn’t start with a ledger. It starts with gratitude for all Saint Peter’s gives to us, and a desire to share it.

What makes a pledge worth keeping, even in hard times? For Sue Bentley, the answer came at her family’s kitchen table, when her father lost his job and her parents cut back on everything except their pledge to the church. Thirty-nine years after joining Saint Peter’s, Sue shares how that lesson has guided her giving ever since. Her words remind us to give to God first, with gratitude for all we have received.

What does it take to find a spiritual home? For Tom Greenwood, it took almost 30 years, a career in the Marine Corps, and 15 moves before his family stumbled into Saint Peter’s in 2000 and never left. In this stewardship testimony, Tom reflects on how his family grew from grateful newcomers into active members of the parish, first by volunteering and then by discovering the sacred act of pledging. His words remind us that stewardship doesn’t require giant leaps. It begins with baby steps, given faithfully and according to our means, that grow into bolder strides as we walk in God’s grace.

What makes a church feel like home? For Kathi O’Neill, it was the children, the music, the sermon, and a familiar face that brought her to Saint Peter’s 35 years ago. In this stewardship testimony, Kathi reflects on the generations of her family who have called Saint Peter’s home and the faith, love, and support she has found here. Her words remind us that stewardship is more than an obligation. It is an opportunity to give with joy and ensure that the grace and wisdom of this community are shared with future generations.

What draws young families to a church? Sometimes it’s the welcome in the nursery, the joy on the playground, the sense that children belong. For Holt Edwards and his wife, Alli, it was exactly these things that made Saint Peter’s home. In this stewardship testimony, Holt reflects on what they found here two years ago, and what they’ve come to understand about the promise we make to one another when we commit to a faith community. His words speak to what it means to invest in the ministries that make Saint Peter’s possible.