Pledging

Posted by Webmaster on October 13, 2009 under Contributors, Webmaster Blog |

Last week, each of you received a pledge form in your bulletin.

By having candid conversations with you about “What St. Paul’s means to each of us” and “Where the money goes,” as well as reminding you that it is an ongoing need, we on the stewardship committee are hoping to break the taboo Anglicans have about talking money in church.

We’d like to give you ideas on ways to help and pledging is one of them. I will admit that this will be my first year pledging money. Years past, I had a plethora of excuses why I couldn’t pledge more than my time and singing voice.

When I volunteered to chair this committee, Leslie Buck provided me with a few reports. One of them was on the giving patterns of our church. It mentioned a person who once pledged $14/month. It reminded me of the story of the widow who gave her last shekel and I felt shame.

I have no idea what this person’s situation is. Maybe they are a CEO of a large company living large, but my imagination says differently. I see a woman on fixed income; maybe she’s on disability or possibly CPP. I see her buying No Name instant coffee to have at home instead of going out, in order scrape together the $14 a month for the church.

It made me think: for all that St. Paul’s has given me, what have I given back? Yes, my time and voice, but in a way doesn’t that make me more responsible to come up with part of the money to pay Dianne’s salary?

So here’s the taboo. This is my situation, no imagination. Last year, the government told me I grossed $27,000 (and please give them $7,000.) This year, my business was hit by the recession. I know that I’m making less. I sat down and did some math. In one column, I put the amount I need to keep my business going and me in relative comfort; in another, what St. Paul’s means to me. I had to move things around in my budget and came up with $50. I am pledging $50 a month to St. Paul’s and if business picks up, I’ll top that up.

Throughout the month, other people will tell you what St. Paul’s means to them, why they are giving, and possibly one will be brave enough to share their situation with you. At the end of the month we will be hosting a couple of Harvest Dinners. There, if you still have questions, our trusty treasurer will explain why we need pledges and how to go about pledging without breaking the piggy bank.

When you go home, think about how much St. Paul’s means to you. Then look at your budget and see if there is any wiggle room to add to St. Paul’s fund.

If you want to share your story email me at Stewardship and, No, you don’t have to say how much you’re pledging.