Our 2010 pledge budget is $1.3 million. This is the same as 2009 but an increase from actual pledges received. If we do not reach this budget, we will not be able to support all current ministries, address deferred projects, and pursue new programs for the future.
The pledge budget this year is a 7% increase over 2008 actual pledges and a 14% increase over 2009 actual pledges.
Christian stewardship is using the gifts God has given us to do the work God is calling us to do. All that we have in this life is a gift from God: our time, our talents and our treasure. Part of being a good steward is giving back to God some of what we have been given, in loving gratitude for God's many gifts to us.
Although money is an important aspect of stewardship, it is not the only one. Many Episcopalians today have more money than they have time. Please consider all aspects of stewardship in your own life and how you can be a good steward of the time and talents that God has given you.
One of the special gifts that God has given us is the vibrant community of St. John's Church. Through its many opportunities for worship and service to others and through its ministries of fellowship, education, and spiritual growth, St. John's Church nurtures and sustains each of us in numerous ways. By giving back to the Church, you help to ensure that these ministries will continue to reach many people both close to home and far away.
To sustain and strengthen St. John's Church, the Vestry and Stewardship Committee ask every parishioner to pledge for the coming year. If you have pledged before, we ask you to continue your commitment to this congregation and prayerfully consider increasing your pledge. If you have not pledged before, we ask you to join in our mutual commitment to maintain and strengthen this Christian community for the future.
A pledge is a spiritual decision and a spiritual discipline. It is a joyful thanksgiving for God's grace in our lives and our way of doing God's work at home and in the world. Pledge income is essential to the ministries of St. John's Church-staff, worship and programs, and the property. In 2009, pledges accounted for more than 85% of our operating budget, and all annual giving accounts for 95% of our operating budget.
The biblical injunction to tithe, to give one tenth of our income, is a familiar benchmark for many. Others may be familiar with the concept of proportional giving; making a commitment to give a specific percentage of your income to the Church. We urge every member of the parish to pledge at least two percent of their family income to support the important ministries at St. John's Church.
We believe this is a very achievable commitment level for our parish and one that would allow the church to readily achieve its pledge budget for 2010 of $1.3 million if all members of the parish participate. The following table provides weekly giving levels corresponding to certain percentages at several income levels:
| Income Level | Tithe | 5% of Income | 2% of Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $96 | $48 | $19 |
| $100,000 | $192 | $89 | $38 |
| $200,000 | $385 | $192 | $77 |
| $400,000 | $770 | $385 | $154 |
Stewardship should be intentional. Committing to a percentage helps us focus on our relationship with God by reminding us that "All things come of Thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given Thee." We make a decision about the level of financial support we will work towards, and then reaffirm that commitment every time we give. Proportional giving also has built-in flexibility for any ups and downs in our personal situations. As we prosper, we give more. If our income is lower, we give less in dollars while maintaining a percentage.
A pledge pyramid has also been constructed below for 2009. For some, this pyramid is a helpful starting point of comparison with others who have pledged to St. John's Church.
| Pledge Range | Number of Pledges (2009) | Percent of Total Number of Pledges | Percent of Pledge Dollar Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000+ | 5 | 1% | 14% |
| $15,000-$29,000 | 8 | 2% | 13% |
| $10,000-$14,999 | 13 | 4% | 13% |
| $5,000-$9,999 | 35 | 11% | 19% |
| $3,000-$4,999 | 59 | 18% | 19% |
| $2,000-$2,999 | 42 | 13% | 9% |
| $1,000-$1,999 | 94 | 28% | 11% |
| <$1,000 | 75 | 23% | 3% |
| Total Pledges: | 330 | ||
| Total Amount: | $1,137,040 |
Pledging allows the Vestry and staff to plan for the future and be good stewards in making budget decisions. Anticipating financial resources is necessary to set priorities for the vital decisions that are made for our mission and ministry. Our ministries depend on your pledge, and every pledge matters.
Most parishioners pledge by giving money on a weekly or monthly basis, while others make a one-time gift. In some cases, pledges are pre-paid for the next year in whole or in part for tax planning purposes. Some also meet their pledges by donating appreciated stock directly to St. John's Church. You can also give electronically using electronic bank transfers or a credit card. For more information on e-giving, return to the homepage of the website and look for the E-giving icon.
If you wish to discuss your pledge or have any questions about pledging, please contact any member of the Vestry, the Stewardship Committee, or Greg Stayin, Chair of this year's Every Member Commitment Campaign.
Pledges will
Restore deferred plans for property improvements including security system, roof maintenance contract, and painting... staff support for outreach... refinements to website and communication... restoration to previous level of contingency funding... and restoration of other categories reduced in the 2009 budget:
| Security | 23,000 | |
| Roof contract, painting and other property | 10,000 | |
| Contingency | 10,000 | |
| Outreach (budget and staff) | 20,000 | |
| Communication (website, hardware, software) | 5,000 | |
| Other budget categories | 5,000 | |
| Professional development for staff | 11,000 | |
| Total | $84,000 |
Provide resources for new or additional ministries and programs:
| Design work for property and building | 30,000 | |
| Enhanced programs for Church School | 10,000 | |
| Outreach | 5,000 | |
| Professional development for staff | 3,000 | |
| Communication (website, hardware, software) | 5,000 | |
| Total | $52,000 |
Continue current ministries with sustained commitment to excellence
| 2% increase for inflation/general increase= | $27,000 |