PLEDGE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Q – What is a pledge to St. Matthew’s?

A – A pledge made on this form is an estimate of what you plan to offer God over the next year. It helps your church budget and plan well. Even if you have pledged in the past, and intend to contribute this year, we ask you to please fill out this form EVERYYEAR so we can keep our records accurate.

2. Q - Why should people pledge?

A - Pledging upholds the expectation that people of faith offer resources for God’s work that the church can count on.

Your pledge helps every single facet of our witness at St. Matthew’s. Every dollar is divided and applied to Worship, Choirs, Outreach, Sunday School, Acolytes, Heat, Light, Youth, Bible Study, Adult Education, Buildings and Grounds, Clergy Support, Pastoral Care, Office Help etc. etc.

3. Q - How is the parish doing financially speaking?

A - We have a healthy mix of old and new families, to go with good programs, outreach, pastoral care and worship. We just completed our beautiful new parish house. At present we need a $20,000.00 increase in pledges to fund what we project for 2005 operating needs. If you will consider increasing your pledges by even $3 a week this year, and if every household could make a faithful pledge starting somewhere, and increasing slightly each year, St. Matthew’s Church would function beautifully. Everyone’s help is needed. Together we can make the parish work well. Pledged financial support is key, especially this year and next.

4. Q - What is an average pledge?

A - Some households pledge $5.00 a week and some offer over $100.00 a week. Some are working little by little over the years toward the Biblical Tithe, or 10% of their wages. Several children pledge $1.00 a week. Everyone is welcome in this household of God whether you pledge or not. The actual average pledge per household is about $18.00 per week or $950.00 per year. This faithful care of pledges keeps St. Matthew’s open to serve all. We hope the average will increase by $3 per week for 2005. This year especially St. Matthew’s needs your best response large or small.

5. Q - Why are all of us, even children, encouraged to pledge?

A - Because faithful generosity is the hallmark of the Christian Spirit. Also because an offering to God is not like passing the hat to pay the bills, rather it is part of a spirituality which gives back a meaningful portion of our treasure and time to God who has already given us everything. Thanking God comes first. When we do this it makes a difference in every other part of our lives.

6. Q - How can I help?

A – By pledging you help every area of the parish to provide faithful service to young and old. Your parish needs your help. God encourages loving generosity. Do your faithful best this year. Thanks and Blessings.