QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT PLEDGING
We recognize that many parishioners come to St. Francis from either no church background or another church denomination. As every church does pledging a bit differently, we wanted to put out a question and answer guide to increase awareness and understanding of the Episcopal process of pledging. As always, if you ever have any questions, please ask the rector, a vestry member, or any other “long timer” sitting next to you on a Sunday.
What is a pledge according to The Episcopal Church?
It’s a commitment to give one's time, talents, and money as an expression of faith and a personal response to God's generosity. Parish members are encouraged to make an annual stewardship pledge. This pledge represents their specific Christian commitment to "work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God" (BCP, p. 856). Parish budgets are prepared in light of the pledges received from the members. A pledge is a statement of intent, not a legal obligation. It can be changed at any time.
Do I have to fill out a pledge card or can I just keep putting money in the plate each week?
We do understand that making a pledge commitment can be a bit uncomfortable for some depending upon personal and financial situations. It feels like a permanent commitment for the year. Our wish is that those who have been making weekly plate contributions to make a formal pledge in order to give us an idea of total expected income. Just like any business, we cannot plan for expenses unless we understand our income. This is necessary for our overall financial health and day-to-day operations.
What if I do make a formal pledge and then I lose my job or my finances take a turn for the worse, and I cannot fulfill my original pledge commitment?
No worries. Unexpected events happen all the time. This situation happens every year and we adjust. Losing a job and having to reduce a pledge or even put it on hold until you’re able to get your finances back can be an uncomfortable topic and even embarrassing to some. There is no disgrace in this, and your church family has your back. We want to help, especially in times of personal strife and challenge. This is when you need support the most. Please never hesitate to reach out to the rector for help and support through dark times, whether it’s about a pledge adjustment or anything else.
What if I’m financially unable to support St. Francis with a pledge?
As Christians we are called to be good stewards using our time, talents and treasure. If you can only give of your time and talents this year instead of a financial pledge, that is your personal situation and we respect you for that. We encourage everyone to enter into the life of our parish as much as possible through the sharing of their time and talents. If you are looking for ideas on how to get more involved, please reach out to the clergy.
Am I expected to give a portion of my pledge every week?
Some give a portion every week, while others give monthly, quarterly or even annually. The preference is to evenly distribute your giving throughout the year as much as possible to mirror how we pay our expenses.
How much should I give?
Giving is a spiritual practice that should be prayerfully considered. Scripture encourages proportionate giving (giving a percentage of one’s income as an act of worship). Many of our pledges start their pledge journey by committing to a percentage level that seems doable, and then gradually moving up. There is a Biblical tithe – ten percent of what you make. If you can’t give ten percent and still meet your basic needs, give what you can. But do think about giving in proportion to your income as an offering in thanksgiving for how you have been blessed. Start with one or two percent if that is what you can do, and let it grow year by year
Who sees my pledge amount?
Your giving is a very private matter of conscience between you and God. Pledges are received annually by the rector via the pledge basket in enclosed envelopes during the service or via her direct email. The treasurer and bookkeeper are also aware of your pledge as part of the financial planning process and to record your contributions for income tax deduction purposes. But other than those few people, your pledge is confidential information.
How exactly do I make my pledge payments?
Please visit the giving page on our website for details on how to pledge. Some put their pledge in the plate every Sunday via check or cash. Others make regular deductions from their bank accounts online. Some even donate stock.
What is the Diocesan Fair Share?
Each parish within the Diocese of El Camino Real is required to pay a percentage of its operating budget to the diocese for the diocesan operating budget (staff salaries, programs, Sargent House, The Episcopal Church, etc.). The Fair Share is calculated each year with a formula approved by the Convention. Currently it is 10% on the first $206,000 and 20% on anything over $206,000.
Last thoughts on how and where to start your 2019 pledge.
1. Pray. This vital step is often overlooked in giving. Take some to time to ask for God’s help to guide you in this decision. Hold this question and consider including it in your daily or weekly prayers as you think about your financial commitment for the coming year.
2. Consider the many blessings in your life. Giving should come from our gratitude and with a sense of joy, not out of guilt or obligation. Our culture teaches us to focus on what we don’t have, but Jesus teaches us to love and serve others with what we have already been blessed with. Begin each day by thanking God for all the blessings in your life, and ask yourself if your giving reflects your gratitude.
3. Ask why St. Francis is special to you. Each of us has come to call St. Francis our spiritual home for different reasons. For many, it’s the youth and children programs, or our commitment to the full inclusion of all of God’s children. For some of us, it’s the liturgy and music, for others it is our commitment to outreach. As you consider your giving for 2019, remember that your pledge enables St. Francis to make God's intention a reality.
4. Challenge yourself. Ask if your pledge reflects your values and priorities. God is calling us to connect more deeply in our relationship with God and one another. Does your pledge move you closer to God? Many have noted the life-changing impact that a simple pledge can have – and how little they missed the money – as they received so much more in return. At the end of the day, giving is about letting go of our agenda, so that we can say yes to God’s. This year, why not try “shocking yourself” with your generosity and then see how this connects you to God's kingdom?
What is a pledge according to The Episcopal Church?
It’s a commitment to give one's time, talents, and money as an expression of faith and a personal response to God's generosity. Parish members are encouraged to make an annual stewardship pledge. This pledge represents their specific Christian commitment to "work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God" (BCP, p. 856). Parish budgets are prepared in light of the pledges received from the members. A pledge is a statement of intent, not a legal obligation. It can be changed at any time.
Do I have to fill out a pledge card or can I just keep putting money in the plate each week?
We do understand that making a pledge commitment can be a bit uncomfortable for some depending upon personal and financial situations. It feels like a permanent commitment for the year. Our wish is that those who have been making weekly plate contributions to make a formal pledge in order to give us an idea of total expected income. Just like any business, we cannot plan for expenses unless we understand our income. This is necessary for our overall financial health and day-to-day operations.
What if I do make a formal pledge and then I lose my job or my finances take a turn for the worse, and I cannot fulfill my original pledge commitment?
No worries. Unexpected events happen all the time. This situation happens every year and we adjust. Losing a job and having to reduce a pledge or even put it on hold until you’re able to get your finances back can be an uncomfortable topic and even embarrassing to some. There is no disgrace in this, and your church family has your back. We want to help, especially in times of personal strife and challenge. This is when you need support the most. Please never hesitate to reach out to the rector for help and support through dark times, whether it’s about a pledge adjustment or anything else.
What if I’m financially unable to support St. Francis with a pledge?
As Christians we are called to be good stewards using our time, talents and treasure. If you can only give of your time and talents this year instead of a financial pledge, that is your personal situation and we respect you for that. We encourage everyone to enter into the life of our parish as much as possible through the sharing of their time and talents. If you are looking for ideas on how to get more involved, please reach out to the clergy.
Am I expected to give a portion of my pledge every week?
Some give a portion every week, while others give monthly, quarterly or even annually. The preference is to evenly distribute your giving throughout the year as much as possible to mirror how we pay our expenses.
How much should I give?
Giving is a spiritual practice that should be prayerfully considered. Scripture encourages proportionate giving (giving a percentage of one’s income as an act of worship). Many of our pledges start their pledge journey by committing to a percentage level that seems doable, and then gradually moving up. There is a Biblical tithe – ten percent of what you make. If you can’t give ten percent and still meet your basic needs, give what you can. But do think about giving in proportion to your income as an offering in thanksgiving for how you have been blessed. Start with one or two percent if that is what you can do, and let it grow year by year
Who sees my pledge amount?
Your giving is a very private matter of conscience between you and God. Pledges are received annually by the rector via the pledge basket in enclosed envelopes during the service or via her direct email. The treasurer and bookkeeper are also aware of your pledge as part of the financial planning process and to record your contributions for income tax deduction purposes. But other than those few people, your pledge is confidential information.
How exactly do I make my pledge payments?
Please visit the giving page on our website for details on how to pledge. Some put their pledge in the plate every Sunday via check or cash. Others make regular deductions from their bank accounts online. Some even donate stock.
What is the Diocesan Fair Share?
Each parish within the Diocese of El Camino Real is required to pay a percentage of its operating budget to the diocese for the diocesan operating budget (staff salaries, programs, Sargent House, The Episcopal Church, etc.). The Fair Share is calculated each year with a formula approved by the Convention. Currently it is 10% on the first $206,000 and 20% on anything over $206,000.
Last thoughts on how and where to start your 2019 pledge.
1. Pray. This vital step is often overlooked in giving. Take some to time to ask for God’s help to guide you in this decision. Hold this question and consider including it in your daily or weekly prayers as you think about your financial commitment for the coming year.
2. Consider the many blessings in your life. Giving should come from our gratitude and with a sense of joy, not out of guilt or obligation. Our culture teaches us to focus on what we don’t have, but Jesus teaches us to love and serve others with what we have already been blessed with. Begin each day by thanking God for all the blessings in your life, and ask yourself if your giving reflects your gratitude.
3. Ask why St. Francis is special to you. Each of us has come to call St. Francis our spiritual home for different reasons. For many, it’s the youth and children programs, or our commitment to the full inclusion of all of God’s children. For some of us, it’s the liturgy and music, for others it is our commitment to outreach. As you consider your giving for 2019, remember that your pledge enables St. Francis to make God's intention a reality.
4. Challenge yourself. Ask if your pledge reflects your values and priorities. God is calling us to connect more deeply in our relationship with God and one another. Does your pledge move you closer to God? Many have noted the life-changing impact that a simple pledge can have – and how little they missed the money – as they received so much more in return. At the end of the day, giving is about letting go of our agenda, so that we can say yes to God’s. This year, why not try “shocking yourself” with your generosity and then see how this connects you to God's kingdom?
