Annual Giving

Annual pledges support our church's day to day operations and its many ministries. All pledges are greatly appreciated and beneficial. Scroll down for answers to some frequently asked questions about pledging.

• Why are annual pledges important?
• What is the annual operating budget?
• How much should I pledge?
• What does it mean to give proportionately?
• Are there giving guides?
• How do I make a pledge?
• Who can pledge?
• Is my pledge confidential?
• When should I return my annual pledge card?
• How can I pay my annual pledge?
• Do I have to pay when I pledge? Can I pay in installments?
• Why should I pledge when I regularly put money in the offering plate?
• I’m not sure what I can afford this year. How can I pledge?
• Can I change my pledge?
• If I have questions about my pledge, who do I contact?
• How does annual pledging fit in the ministry or stewardship?

Why are annual pledges important?

Annual pledges fund the church’s operation and support all that the Church does in its many ministries. Your annual pledge is essential if we are to sustain our existing ministries and begin to address our strategic goals. 

The Vestry formulates and approves the annual operating budget based on written pledges. Difficult decisions are required each year because needs always exceed pledges. Pledging is critically important because the Vestry requires a balanced budget.

What is the annual operating budget?

The parish’s budget is the very tangible way we give witness to our plans to continue Christ’s ministry in this world through Grace. The budget is neither arbitrary nor inflated. It is carefully designed to allow the Parish to practice responsible stewardship.

How much should I pledge?

Grace invites parishioners to be generous in everything we do. Stewardship is a way of life and an opportunity to give back a portion of all that God has given to us.

The biblical benchmark for giving is the tithe, ten percent of household income. There are many ways to give and serve Christ, but we encourage you to consider a minimum of two percent moving your gift upward annually.

What does it mean to give proportionately?

Proportional giving is based on the premise that the first fruits are given back to God in grateful response to what God has given us. It refers to a conscious effort to determine an appropriate level of giving. We ask each parishioner to consider making an annual pledge in proportion to income. 

Are there giving guides?

The Church supports tithing and proportional giving as a means to give back a portion of all that God has so generously given to us. If you have given proportionally in the past, we respectfully ask that you consider stretching to a higher level this year. If you have not pledged, we ask that you make a pledge in joyful celebration of God’s blessings and your membership in the body of Christ. Proportional giving charts to help you determine your pledge amount are available here.

Who can pledge?

Families and finances are organized in different ways. Anyone, including children, who desires to pledge individually can. 

Is my pledge confidential?

Yes. Pledges are confidential. Pledges are handled by the Treasurer; volunteers and other staff do not see individual pledges.

How can I pay my annual pledge?

There are many ways to pay your pledge. You may write checks, have your bank account drafted or use your credit card. You may also make payments with stock.

Why should I pledge when I regularly put money in the offering plate?

Non-pledge funds collected each week do help to support the ongoing life of the parish. However, pledges are very important because they enable us to plan responsibly and to establish a parish operating budget for the coming year.

I’m not sure what I can afford this year. How can I pledge?

A pledge can be adjusted throughout the year if your circumstances change. We suggest that you pledge responsibly, based on your estimate of the year’s income. A pledge can be increased, if your circumstances change.

Can I change my pledge?

Yes. You can change your pledge if your circumstances change.

If I have questions about my pledge, who do I contact?

Questions regarding pledges should be directed to the Treasurer.

How does annual pledging fit in the ministry or stewardship?

Annual pledges are just one part of the practice of generosity and stewardship that undergirds our parish life. An annual pledge supports Grace’s annual budget. There are many special requests and opportunities for giving during the year. These special requests should be viewed as “in addition to” the annual pledge. Planned giving is a gift or series of gifts that can help secure the church’s ministries beyond our individual lifetimes.