Stewardship & Pledging

  1. What is pledging? Each of us has the opportunity again this fall to renew our commitment to one another and the mission of Trinity Episcopal by making a financial commitment – a pledge, which is “a solemn promise.”
  2. Why are annual pledges important? Annual pledges support what we do at Trinity and beyond our doors. Our yearly budget is driven by the generosity of our annual pledges.Each pledge makes a difference and works toward the building of our faith community. Knowing what funding to expect, we can plan for the costs of our ministries for the coming year.
  3. How does annual pledging fit in the ministry of financial stewardship? Annual pledges are just one part of the practice of generosity and stewardship that undergirds our individual and corporate spiritual life. An annual pledge funds the Operating Budget of Trinity. Planned giving is a gift or series of gifts that can help secure the church’s ministries beyond our individual lifetimes. Special gifts fund additional parish priorities such a building renovation, program, and endowment support.
  4. How much should I give with an annual pledge? Christian stewardship is grounded in the understanding that our standard of giving should reflect our standard of living. Each of us is called to consider making a pledge that is both responsible and significant based on his or her financial situation.
  5. 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. Each parishioner is asked to consider making an annual pledge in proportion to income, moving toward the Biblical norm of a “tithe” – 10%. Not many of us can begin giving at that level, but all of us can begin with a percentage, a proportional gift, and move toward the tithe. Link at the bottom of this page for a chart illustrating proportional giving.
  6. Do I have to pay at the time that I make my pledge? Returning your pledge card is a promise to pay. You make your pledge and then fulfill your pledge in as many payments as you wish throughout the year, using pledge offering envelopes if requested, attaching to your cash plate gift a pre-printed Pledge Note (will be provided) to let us know whose cash is collected on Sunday in the plate, or by check. Online options will be provided, as well – all outlined in the Pledge Card you’ll receive next week. Pledges are to be fulfilled on a calendar year basis, that is, beginning January 1 through December 31 of each year. [Note: For financial planning purposes, you may wish to pre-pay all or part of your pledge for 2024 in 2023.]
  7. Why should I pledge when I regularly put money in the offering plate? Loose funds collected each week do help to support the ongoing life of the parish. If yours has been a part of this, we hope you’ll consider designating that donation to a 2024 Pledge – let us know up front what you estimate you’ll put in the plate over the year. We’ll provide a means for identifying your generosity when collected to account for your pledge. Pledges are very important because they allow us to plan responsibly and to establish a parish budget for the coming year. Pledging responsibly, based on your best estimate of the year’s income, is important. And remember, a pledge can be adjusted – up or down! – during the year if your circumstances change.
  8. When should I return my annual pledge card? As soon as you receive, please. We will be accepting Pledge Cards online this year, but also, in the plate on Sundays or via snail mail.