Presented by Jason Ruiz-Schwartz, T'25 and Race Hodges
Stories of Stewardship: Fundraising and Legacy Giving in the Parish invites seminary alumni to reflect on stewardship not just as a financial task, but as a spiritual practice rooted in storytelling and relationship. This workshop will explore practical approaches to annual giving, cultivating generosity, and developing legacy giving programs, while grounding these efforts in the narrative of God’s ongoing work in the life of the parish. Participants will gain tools, language, and confidence to invite faithful, joyful giving in ways that are pastoral, authentic, and sustainable.
Race Hodges is a Senior Program Officer with Episcopal Relief & Development, leading disaster response and long-term recovery efforts across the United States. With 20 years of experience in disaster response and community resilience, he has previously served as FEMA’s Faith-Based Preparedness Coordinator, a member of the American Red Cross National Recovery Team, and as a Peace Corps volunteer. He is a member of Grace Church Brooklyn Heights in the Diocese of Long Island.
Jason Ruiz-Swartz, T'25, serves as Coordinator of Faith & Community Engagement at Episcopal Relief & Development, where he develops resources and tools to connect Episcopalians and other faith communities to the organization’s mission. As project lead for the Episcopal Asset Map, he works to broaden its reach and effectiveness across the Church. With seven years of community engagement experience and a Master of Education, Jason believes lasting ministry begins by listening to communities, understanding their context, and recognizing the assets already present within them. He is a proud School of Theology alum and lives in Oneonta, NY, where his husband is Rector of St. James Episcopal Church.
