Stewardship
Frequently Asked Questions?
- What is pledging? Each of us has the opportunity again this fall to renew our commitment to one another and the mission of St. Paul’s by making a financial commitment – a pledge, which is “a solemn promise.”
- Why are annual pledges important? Annual pledges support what we do at St. Paul’s and beyond our doors. Our yearly budget is driven by the generosity of our annual pledges. Each and every pledge makes a difference and works toward the building of our faith community. Knowing what funding to expect, we can plan for the costs of our ministries for the coming year.
- How does annual pledging fit in the ministry of financial stewardship? Annual pledges are just one part of the practice of generosity and stewardship that undergirds our individual and corporate spiritual life. An annual pledge supports the ministries and mission of St. Paul’s. Planned giving is a gift or series of gifts that can help secure the church’s ministries beyond our individual lifetimes. Special gifts fund additional parish priorities such as building renovation, program, and endowment support.
- How much should I give with an annual pledge? Christian stewardship is grounded in the understanding that our standard of giving should reflect our standard of living. Each of us is called 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 grateful response to what God has given us. It refers to a conscious effort to determine an appropriate level of giving. Each parishioner is asked to consider making an annual pledge in proportion to income, moving toward the Biblical norm of a “tithe” – 10%. Not many of us can begin giving at that level, but all of us can begin with a percentage, a proportional gift, and move toward the tithe.
- Do I have to pay at the time that I make my pledge? Returning your pledge card is a promise to pay. You make your pledge and then fulfill your pledge in as many payments as you wish throughout the year, using pledge offering envelopes if you wish. Pledges are to be fulfilled on a calendar year basis, that is, beginning January 1 through December 31 of each year. [Note: For financial planning purposes, you may wish to pre-pay all or part of your pledge for 2012 in 2011.]
- Why should I pledge when I regularly put money in the offering plate? Loose funds collected each week do help to support the ongoing life of the parish. Pledges are very important, however, because they allow us to plan responsibly and to establish a parish budget for the coming year. Pledging responsibly, based on your best estimate of the year’s income, is important. And remember, a pledge can be adjusted – up or down! – during the year if your circumstances change.
- When should I return my annual pledge card? Everyone is invited to celebrate this fall’s campaign by bringing a completed pledge card to the “Stewardship Ministry Fair” on Sunday, October 16. If you are not able to attend, you may put your pledge card in the offering plate any Sunday or mail it to the church. However you decide to do it, please be sure to return your card by Sunday, October 23.
~ The Stewardship Committee