CHURCH OF THE HOLY APOSTLES
Episcopal churches run a stewardship campaign every fall, inviting members to pledge financially to the church’s annual budget for the coming year. In other words, we ask members to prayerfully commit to a certain level of giving to fund the church’s mission and ministry for one year.
Why give to the church?
Giving is a joyful response to God's gift of grace to us in Jesus Christ and to God's work in our midst at Holy Apostles. Giving to the church helps us to fulfill Christ's Great Commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 ESV
What is a pledge?
A pledge tells the church how much financial support you plan to give to the church's ministries for the coming year, and how often. It is a promise to set aside money for the church's ministry in the coming year. In other words, you are letting the church know what you plan to give during the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2027.
How does a pledge differ from a pledge payment or donation?
A pledge specifies the amount of financial support promised over the next year. A pledge payment is an actual payment that fulfills the pledge. A donation is typically an unpledged, perhaps one-time gift.
What is a tithe?
A tithe is giving 10% of your family's annual income back to God (Genesis 28:18-22, Numbers 18:21). Some people give more than 10% while others give less. As the Apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
What if I cannot afford to give 10%
While not everyone can start by giving 10%, it helps to work toward the tithe by giving a percentage of your income. After you prayerfully arrive at that amount, consider increasing your percentage each year. And of course, we understand that sometimes people are unable to give, or need to reduce their giving, due to financial hardship. Please know that the clergy and our administrator are always happy to talk with you about any questions or concerns you have.
What does my giving go toward?
Pledges in our annual Generosity campaign support the church's operating budget and outreach. This includes all expenses supporting day-to-day ministry at COTHA. It covers things like utilities, worship equipment, local outreach, diocesan ministries, maintenance, staff salaries, and benefits.