What's "pledging" about?
Well, it’s NOT about a dollar amount...
Pledging is not about money – it’s about accepting an invitation; an invitation to deeper relationship with Christ Church, your Christ Church family, and most importantly, a deeper relationship with God. So don’t worry about how much, or how often, or any of that. Instead, ask yourself “am I ready to give it a try?” “Am I ready to take the next step?” Jesus said where your money goes, so does your heart. So give it a try and see how a simple thing like a pledge can move you closer to God.
Only through the financial support of our members is Christ Church able to create dynamic programs and activities that enrich and transform lives, beautiful worship and music offerings, programs for children and youth, pastoral care, adult education, spiritual guidance, small-group spiritual formation, and justice work in the wider Philadelphia community. Nearly 65% of our operating income comes to us through the weekly offering.
Put simply, every pledge counts, and every pledge matters.
Q. What is a pledge?
Each year, we ask all parishioners and friends to make a thoughtful, prayerful and intentional commitment to financially support the mission and ministry of Christ Church. Some choose to make their commitment based on a weekly, monthly or annual sum and it is paid in a variety of ways through the weekly plate offering or through weekly or monthly bank withdrawals.
Q. Does my pledge really make a difference?
Absolutely. It often comes as a surprise when people learn that Christ Church relies heavily on the weekly offering of it’s members and visitors. Despite its impressive building, its beautiful music and liturgy, its impressive array of programs and educational offerings, 65% of the revenue needed to operate and maintain Christ Church comes from the offering plate each Sunday.
Q. Can’t I practice stewardship without pledging—by just putting money in the plate?
Because we depend on the weekly offering to maintain our operations, making a pledge tells us how much money Christ Church will have to carry out its mission for the year, and thereby helps us plan our budget. This is critical information for making careful, purposeful decisions about church activities, ministry and maintenance. And on a personal level, pledging helps to transform your giving into a spiritual practice; you make a commitment to God and to your Christ Church family and fulfilling it becomes a regular practice just like attendance at worship, learning or prayer.
Q. Doesn’t the Christ Church have an Endowment?
Yes it does. Many are of the belief that earnings from the Endowment make up the majority of funds for our operating budget. The reality is that for 2010, Endowment funds will account for no more than 35% operating funds. This trend will continue for into the future.
Q. How much should I give with an annual pledge?
We ask each parishioner to consider making a pledge that is both responsible and significant based on his or her financial situation. At Christ Church, the tithe (10% of your annual income) is held up as the Christian standard of giving. If 10% sounds like a big step, it is suggested that you start at a lower percentage – say 3% or 5% -- and make it a goal to increase each year. You can use this easy tool to help calculate your pledge.
Q. How do I make a pledge?
A pledge can be made by completing a pledge card. If you did not receive a pledge card ask an Usher for one or contact the church office. Upon making your pledge, you will receive a written acknowledgement letter.
Q. How can I pay my pledge?
You may pay your pledge with a single annual payment or, as is more common, through weekly or semi-weekly offerings received at worship services. We can provide you with offering envelopes for your convenience, printed with donor record numbers to insure proper crediting of payments. You can also set up weekly or monthly automatic-debit payments through the Church Office.
Q. What if happens if I can’t pay my pledge?
You may change the amount of your pledge at any time. All we ask is that you let us know so we may correct your records. Simply call the Church Office.
Q. What if I can't afford to pledge what I'd like to?
Some people hold off because they can’t afford to pledge as much as they like to or feel embarrassed that it “wouldn’t be enough.” Again, it really not about how much you pledge. We all go through financial circumstances and besides, none of us could ever pledge “enough” when you really think about all the blessing God has given us. So don’t get hung up on the amount. The important thing is to start somewhere.
A SIMPLE FORMULA FOR CALCULATING YOUR FIRST PLEDGE
OK, you’re ready to pledge but not sure where to start. Here’s one method: Think about what you place in the offering plate on a typical Sunday, and then multiply by 52 (i.e. number of weeks in year). Use that figure as your 2010 Annual pledge which you will pay over the course of the next year. You will receive a quarterly statement so you can track your progress even if you do not make it to services on Sunday.
Q. What if I can't fulfill my pledge?
People sometimes hold off because they’re worried they might not fulfill their pledge (self-employed, going back to school, etc.) Again, that is not a problem. You can reduce your pledge anytime.
Q. Whom do I contact for more information?
Email the chair of our Stewardship Committee, Wayne Christman, at waynechristman@comcast.net, or talk to Tim or Susan.