In 1993, a program called “God’s Plan for Church Support” was initiated in our Parish. This plan is a flexible modern-day form of tithing. To tithe means to return to God the first portion of all He has given to us. The stewardship of our property is an ongoing process. We give regularly and systematically in proportion to the gifts we are given.
Giving money to the Church is a symbolic act – the offering of ourselves in service and devotion to God.
Giving is a practical matter as well because reliable funding allows the Church to plan for expenses, carry out programs, maintain spiritual and outreach activities, and carry out its mission in Christ’s name. Our Parish is supported 100% by the Offertory Gifts – no other major fund raising activities. The plan was to build the Church by the weekly gifts you prayerfully, happily, and faithfully send up in the Offertory procession to be placed before the altar of God as your response to the blessings God has bestowed upon you. Tithing should be a meaningful and deliberate part of your ‘way of life.
Q. How much should I give?
A. Remember, God have you the time and talent to earn your treasure. Readings in Scripture say that we should set aside our ‘first fruits’ – that our offering to God should be the first portion we set aside, not what remains. But the more pertinent question is ‘Am I giving all I can?’ Some people give by proportion and others set aside a percentage of their income.
|
Weekly Income |
3% | 5% | 8% | 10% |
12% |
| $150 | 4.50 | 7.50 | 12.00 | 15.00 | 22.50 |
| $200 | 6.00 | 10.00 | 16.00 | 20.00 | 30.00 |
| $300 | 9.00 | 15.00 | 24.00 | 30.00 | 45.00 |
| $400 | 12.00 | 20.00 | 32.00 | 40.00 | 60.00 |
| $500 | 15.00 | 25.00 | 40.00 | 50.00 | 75.00 |
| $700 | 21.00 | 35.00 | 56.00 | 70.00 | 105.00 |
The Old Testament guideline for giving was the tithe, usually 1/10. How close do you come to the giving expected of the early Christians?
When you are at peace about the size of your gift, when you are not making excuses for its size, when you know you have been honest with God and yourself, then your gift is the proper size.
Please use the church offertory envelopes, as it helps each of use make a conscious decision about what we are actually contributing. The envelope communicates to our children and others that giving to the Church is a high priority for us and that we belong to this Parish. It makes the ongoing budgetary process for the Parish much easier and it is a way of keeping track and receiving a statement for your tax purposes. Also, for your convenience, donations can be received online – please click here.
