Pledging as a spiritual practice
HOW DO I PLEDGE?
While our annual giving campaign is held in the fall, pledges may be made at any time by downloading and completing a pledge card or pledging online. You may pay weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly via cash, checks, or automatic fund transfer/electronic fund transfer (EFT).You may also pay your pledge with a donation of stock. Many companies have matching funds for charitable donations. If your company has such a plan, please let us know. Click here for an online pledge card.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I PLEDGE?
Determining the amount of your annual pledge is between you and God. However, as you make this important decision, reflecting on your vision of stewardship may be beneficial. It has been suggested that we consider our personal vision of stewardship in terms of a spectrum:
I give because I am supposed to give — a sense of duty
I give to pay my own way — a sense of fairness
I give to return a portion of my blessings — a sense of gratitude
I give to keep church ministries free to all — a sense of generosity
What matters most is reflecting on where you are and where you are going as you move along this progression. When you push yourself to another level, you will find your faithfulness expanding as well.
WHAT IS A TITHE?
A tithe is 10% of your income. The Episcopal Church has affirmed the tithe as the minimum standard for giving and encourages its members to tithe or be working toward a tithe. A tithe may sound like an unattainable goal. However, if you start with a certain proportion of your income and increase the percentage each year, you will eventually reach a tithe. The “Giving Percentage” chart below may help.
EVERY PLEDGE, EVERY AMOUNT, MATTERS
Where you start or whether you tithe on your annual or gross income is not nearly as important as simply making your first pledge. Every pledge make a difference, regardless of the amount. Every pledge supports ministry at St. Andrew’s in Christ name.
Questions?
If you have questions about financial stewardship or tithing, your treasurer, stewardship chair and clergy are happy to talk with you . Please call for an appointment, (410) 489-4035.