Pledging at St. Paul’s
What does it mean to pledge?
† In the context of Christian financial stewardship, a pledge is a promise to give a certain amount of money to one’s parish during the year (in St. Paul’s case, the financial year is the calendar year).
† To pledge is to make an intentional, prayerful gift of financial resources to further the work of God’s love on earth through St. Paul’s.
Why should I pledge?
† First and foremost, every good gift we have comes from God. Our earthly, material gifts are ours only temporarily, and God asks us to manage them well and return the best portion to God for the spread of God’s love.
† Returning the “first fruits” (that best portion mentioned above) to God gives meaning and clarity to our lives and work. As Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be, also.” If our hearts really are set on God, the use of our treasure should reflect this.
† Annual pledging of your financial resources to the work of sharing God’s love can provide one measure of whether you are continuing to grow in your faithful commitment.
† Just as knowing one’s salary and other income for the year allows an individual or family to budget appropriately, pledging tells the vestry how it can plan and budget for the following year. Non-pledged gifts are always welcome and put to good use, but pledges allow us to plan proactively instead of just responding reactively. Knowing fully what our parish’s income will be for the coming year allows us to put those resources to their highest and best use.
How can I pledge?
† Pledge cards for the coming calendar year are mailed to everyone in the parish the first week of November along with a return envelope. Just fill it out and mail it back!
† You can also utilize the online pledge card, at any time, which you can access by clicking here.
What happens to my pledge?
† Your pledge, along with all others received by then, will be celebrated and blessed on Stewardship Sunday worship service in late November.
† The vestry will authorize a budget for the following calendar year based on its expectations of income from all pledges received and is typically presented to the parish at the annual meeting in February.
† Statements will be sent to you quarterly, reflecting payments made against your pledge.
When can I pledge?
† You may pledge, at any time, for the current or the upcoming calendar year.
