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Frequently Asked Questions About Annual Pledging How Does Trinity spend the money received from annual
pledges?
Annual
pledge dollars help support the bulk of our programs and activities, including
individual crisis and care-giving efforts, outreach programs in our community
and through the larger church to the world, the maintenance of both physical and
spiritual space in which our parish family might explore the big questions and
walk the path we are called to walk in our faith journeys, support of staff
persons, including our Rector, who help make all of this happen. How does annual pledging fit in the ministry of stewardship?
Annual
pledges are just one part of the practice of generosity and stewardship that under gird
our parish life. An annual pledge support’s the parish mission and its
ministries. Planned giving, a gift
or series of gifts from accumulated assets is another way to help secure the
church’s ministries beyond our personal lifetimes.
Our Capital Campaign was developed to fund long-term major parish
priorities such as the planned renovation and additions to the parish’s
building. How much should I give with an annual pledge?
We
believe strongly that our standard of giving should reflect our standard of
living. We ask each parishioner to
consider making a pledge that is both responsible and significant based on his
or her financial situation. What does it mean to give proportionately?
Proportional
giving is based on the premise that the first fruits are given back to God in
gratitude for what God has given us. It
refers to a conscious effort to determine an appropriate level of giving.
We ask each parishioner to consider making an annual pledge in proportion
to income. It is the teaching of the
Episcopal Church and the Biblical norm to give 10% of one’s income.
Initially it is anticipated that we will each establish a goal of 1% or
2% above our present giving. The
objective is to review our current response to God’s love, weigh it in light
of what He has give us and then make our offering in proportion to our love for
Him. When should I return my annual pledge card?
We
ask everyone who participates to make a pledge by Stewardship Sunday which will
take place this year on November 16. We
hope nearly everyone will be able to bring the card to church with them.
We’ll ask volunteers to pick up cards during the prior week from those
who can’t be in church so that they can be offered up with the rest.
Those who expect to be out of town can mail their cards in.
Having all the cards in by November 16 gives your vestry the information
it needs to help establish the total ministry of the parish for next year.
Pledges which can’t be made at that time are of course welcome whenever
they can be sent in. Do I have to pay when I pledge?
Can I pay in installments?
Returning
your pledge card is simply a promise to pay.
You make your pledge and fulfill your pledge in as many payments as you
wish.
Why should I pledge when I regularly put money in the
offering plate?
Loose
funds collected each week do help support the ongoing life of the parish.
However, pledges are very important because they enable us to plan
responsibly and to establish a parish mission and ministry budget for the coming
year. It is very difficult to make
those plans without pledge information. Pledges
are vital to the parish’s financial integrity. I’m not sure what I can afford this year.
How can I pledge?
You
may adjust your pledge throughout the year if your circumstances change.
The pledge is between you and your Lord.
God love you and understands you and your needs.
A pledge is a responsible statement of your intent.
It is not meant to be a legal liability.
No matter what your decision God’s love for you remains constant. |
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