|
What is a pledge?
A pledge is a thank-offering
to God for the abundance of life and health and grace with which you have
been blessed. A pledge involves choosing a portion of your resources for
the year ahead which you would like to make available to the community
of faith in which you experience God's active presence. A pedge to Saint
Barnabas Church is your faith statement of active support. A pledge is
one aspect of membership in the Episcopal Church.
Why
Pledge?
One answer would be that in light of God's gracious love for us as evidenced
in Jesus Christ, we cannot help but respond by giving of ourselves. Another
answer is that without knowing what Saint Barnabas's members are planning
to offer over the year ahead, a budget would not be able to be formulated
and the program, worship and staffing of the parish could not be planned.
The hope is that the answer about a faithful relationship with God and
the answer about a financial relationship with the parish coincide leading
to a pledge from you.
How
Much Should I Pledge?
"As much as you can" could be both a light-hearted response
and a sincere answer. The amount is up to you. Certainly you should not
deprive yourself of what is necessary and, at the same time, you should
evaluate your priorities. One chosen way to sort out your pledge amount
is to work toward a tithe (10%). Determine your income after taxes. Calculate
what ten percent of that would be. Then choose a percent that you can
feed good about offering this year. Work, each progressive year, toward
increasing your percentage toward the tithe.
How
Do I Make My Pledge?
Filling out a pledge card and getting it to the church is what will make
your support effect St. Barnabas. You will need to give your name and
address, the amount you plan to offer over the year ahead, and whether
you want pledge envelopes. The enveloes are especially useful for those
who make their pledge payments weekly in the offering plates on Sunday
morning. However, pledge payments can be made as a one-time contribution,
in installments, or randomly over the course of the year. A reminder will
be sent to all pledgers about the status of their pledges at mid-year,
at the third quarter, and at year end.
Is
My Pledge All Our Church Needs From Me?
No, we need your presence, the skills and gifts God has blessed you with,
and the precious time which you have to spend in our midst. Please continue
to be active.
Download
a Pledge Form (PDF).
|
