Stewardship is about all of life, which also includes how we each contribute to the life of All Saints with our time, talent, and treasure. All members and regular attendees received a letter asking you to prayerfully consider what you will pledge to All Saints in 2019 in terms of your time, talent, and treasure. We ask that you return these pledge forms and service sheets to the church on or before Sunday, November 18, which is our Pledge Ingathering Day. And since this pledge-based budget process is new for some of our people, below are some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQ) about how our system works.
What is the significance of asking the parish to pledge their financial contributions for the upcoming year? Most churches have their leadership determine each year’s financial budget and then they ask the church to give to that budget. We instead ask our people to prayerfully make financial pledges for the upcoming year, the total of which becomes our church’s budget. This approach takes seriously that God’s Spirit is among the people of God, leading them to make these decisions. The leadership then trusts the Spirit’s work among the people by operating within those parameters.
What happens if next year I am (we are) unable to meet the amount of our pledge? We understand that you cannot anticipate financial ups and downs in your future, and so we understand that if something unexpected occurs, you may fall short of (or go above) the pledge you made. But we do ask that, all things considered, you make a pledge that you anticipate fulfilling since our budget only works by counting on that money. It is better to under-pledge and go over than to over-pledge and go under. Do not pledge an amount that you know you will not be able to reach.
Who will know the amount of my/our financial pledge? Only Donna Taylor, our Parish Administrator, will know the amount of your pledge. A few times a year, she will mail you statements of your giving to help you keep track of your progress.
What if I/we do not feel comfortable making a pledge? We realize that not everyone feels comfortable making a financial pledge in advance for the upcoming year. While no one is required to give according to this system, do keep in mind that it will affect our annual budget in that non -pledgers do not factor into our budget.
How should I/we determine the amount of my/our pledge? The Old Testament model of the tithe (10% of one’s income) provides an appropriate starting point for believers today, who, according to the New Testament, should give regularly, generously, and sacrificially. But wherever your level of giving is currently, be sure to make it a matter of family conversation and prayer, always striving to follow the Scripture’s teaching and the Spirit’s leading.