Stewardship (Operating Budget)
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Dear Parish Family,
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What a joy it is to be back among you after my sabbatical! I come back thankful for the rest, and more grateful than ever for the wonderful life we share together in this place!
Our mission as a parish, “Where Christ is changing lives to change the world,” is visible not only in the multitude of outreach ministries we support (for example, Good News Ministries, ECHO, Prison Ministry, Brehon, Women’s Pregnancy Center, Boys Town, our sister parishes in Guatemala, Cuba, and Uganda), but in the ministries that occur within the walls of this place (for children, youth , adults, the elderly, the sick, those struggling with life issues). God is using this parish as an instrument of His transforming Grace, and personally I don’t think there is anything on earth that I would more want to be a part of.
I hope you will help keep this parish strong as we move into another year. Over the next few Sundays we will feature “Minutes For Ministry” at Sunday services to highlight what our stewardship is accomplishing. It is my hope that BY or BEFORE Sunday, October, 16th, you will make a pledge to the ministries of this parish for the coming year. To the right is a pledge card. You will also find enclosed a chart to help you calculate your next step toward tithing if you are not already a tither. Thank you for all you do to serve our Lord in this place!
By God’s Grace,
Fr. Eric D. Dudley+
Rector
*Important Reminder: The budget year at St. Peter’s is NOT a calendar year, but begins on 1 Nov. and ends on 31 Oct.
We will always accept your generous offering when the plate is passed on Sunday mornings! However, we have now made it easier for you:
Make a ONE-TIME Online Contribution!
(Please use the pledge card for recurring deductions).
Pledging & Tithing
What's it All About?
At St. Peter's, we know that financial stewardship is an important component of a balanced spiritual life. Returning to God from that which He has given us is a tangible way to express our faith. When each of us gives as we are able, together we fund ministry within our parish, to the Tallahassee community, and to the world.
What is a Pledge?
A pledge is an estimate of giving; some call it a statement of intent.
Why should I Pledge?
Pledging allows you to make intentional decisions about your financial giving. When you plan ahead for your giving, you make conscious choices about spending your money in ways that reflect your faith and values. Receiving your pledge allows our Vestry, Finance Committee, and Staff to plan wisely to use our resources in support of the ministry God has called us to. The Vestry sets a budget on the total amount pledged to the church. While regular giving that is not pledged is important to the parish, your pledge lets the Vestry plan more accurately for the ministry we can accomplish.
How much should I pledge?
Determining the amount of your annual pledge is between you and God. The church does offer some guidelines to assist you as you make this important decision.
What is Proportionate giving?
Proportionate giving is basing your pledge amount on a percentage of your income.
What is a Tithe?
A tithe is 10% of your income. A tithe may sound like an unattainable goal, but if you start with a certain proportion of your income and increase the percentage each year, you will be tithing in a short time. You could start with 2 1/2%, which is equivalent to pledging the first hour's pay of a 40-hour work week. Maybe the next year you can go to 5%, maybe you need to start at 1%, and increase by 1% each year. Where you start on your annual income is not as important as simply making the pledge and working towards an overall goal of tithing at some point in the future.
See Tithe-Yearly Income Chart (PDF)
Questions?
If you have questions about financial stewardship or tithing in the scripture, your clergy are happy to talk with you. Please call 701-0664 ext. 12 for an appointment. If you have questions about the process, electronic giving options or anything financial please contact our Financial Administrator at 701-0664 ext. 11 or ctullos@saint-peters.net.
Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you.
Deuteronomy 16:17