Stewardship

 

Download 2009 Stewardship brochure

 

Rev. Webster Answers Some Questions on Pledging

 

What is a pledge?

     A pledge is a good-faith statement of what you plan to give to St. Chrysostom’s Church in the coming year.

 

Why does St. Chrysostom’s need to know what I plan to give?

     The people of the congregation tell us what you plan to give in the coming year and the vestry builds St. Chrysostom’s annual budget on that.

 

What happens if I can’t pay my pledge?

     A pledge is NOT a legal binding contract.  If circumstances change during the year, simply notify the parish treasurer or administrator.

 

How much should I pledge?

     First, pray about it: ask God to guide you in making your decision.  Second, I suggest you ask yourself what your income is (Line 35 on your IRS 1040 is a useful tool in answering that).  Third, ask yourself what percentage of that income you want to give to God’s purposes—to your parish and other charitable giving.  Make a list of those: St. Chrysostom’s Church, Episcopal charity(ies), United Thank Offering, school(s), and hospital(s).  If it turns out your giving is half of one percent, that may be a call to grow it!

     The (every four year) General Conventions of our Episcopal Church for some years have voted to hold up 10% (the Biblical tithe) as the standard—goal and challenge—of giving: in other words, when you make your personal list, it would add up to 10% of your income.

     Well, fourth, what percentage do you want to aim for? Fifth, decide to aim to give that in the coming year and offer your giving to God at the altar.

     All of this is totally between you and God, in private prayer and decision making.

     Talking about percentages equates the giving of people of very different economic resources.

 

Why do people use weekly envelopes?

     For many people (not all, but many) giving weekly (or monthly) allows one to give more than would be easily done at one time.  And the envelopes are a helpful reminder. However, different people receive their income in different ways.  If the envelopes are helpful, make use of them.

 

Does St. Chrysostom’s need my volunteer time?

     Yes.  St. Chrysostom’s Church—and the wider mission/outreach circle of our Episcopal Charities—runs on volunteers!  Prayerfully consider your time and talent pledge, as well as your pledge of money.