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Pledging Frequently Asked Questions
Pledging
- Why does the church ask for money?
As Christians we are called to be charitable. The church is not some remote and inhuman organization. The church is us, all of us. Like any organization, the church needs funds to operate and maintain the building, pay our clergy and staff and pursue Christian activities within the church and in the community. We, the members, contribute the money which the church must have to do all these things.
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- Why should I participate in church finances?
Each church member is a vital part of the Body of Christ on this earth. We Christians are filled with love and joy given to us by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. From this joy proceeds a natural desire to involve ourselves in the life of our church, including its financial life. We do this through making and fulfilling our annual pledges.
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- What pledge level is right for me?
The Bible typically claims ten percent, or a tithe, as the proper amount to return to God from the bounty which He has provided us. Woods suggests we work toward that tithe level in our total giving, with the goal of five percent to the church and the other five percent to the community.
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- Is my pledge confidential?
Pledges are completely confidential. Only a very few trusted people ever see pledge data with names attached. That data is always treated confidentially to preserve the privacy of the individual.
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- How do I pay on my pledge?
There are several ways to fulfill your annual pledge. All members receive a monthly mailing of pledge envelopes that may be used to submit your payments. These envelopes allow the financial staff to properly credit your payments. (Please see the question on electronic funds transfer for more information on this subject.)
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- May I use electronic funds transfer to pay my pledge?
Woods suggests you consider electronic funds transfer (EFT) from your bank account as a convenient and reliable way to make your periodic pledge payments. Please contact Anne Veach in the church office.
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- This has been a difficult time for me financially. Why is Woods asking me to increase my pledge amount?
Most of us have been negatively impacted by the economy and the poor stock market performance over the past few years. The needs of the church continue to increase despite the state of the economy as we grow and take on more projects, particularly related to community outreach and youth programs. Those of us who have the means to contribute need to support these programs as much as possible.
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- Are church members ever contacted indidually our visited at home?
Direct contact of members through Home visits during a Stewardship campaign, are viewed as an opportunity for feedback between church members and current church leaders. Members are afforded the opportunity to learn more about church activities and make suggestions for improvements within the church. Leaders have the opportunity to learn first hand about the concerns and needs of the Congregation.
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- What if I am not comfortable in allowing visitors to my home?
First, be assured that those who call on you on behalf of our church do so in the love of Jesus Christ and the sincere desire to reach out to fellow church members. In addition to talking to you about your pledge opportunities, callers hope to receive from you any concerns or requests you may have concerning our church. We hope that our brief time together will be comfortable and will provide an opportunity for fellowship. If, knowing all this, you still do not feel comfortable having visitors, please consider allowing someone to talk with you by telephone. However, a personal visit is so much better as an opportunity to communicate, it is hoped that you will favorably consider welcoming church visitors.
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- Why pledge at all? Why shouldn't I just put $20 in the collection plate on Sunday?
Our pledge does many things. First, as we participate in Pledge Sunday every spring, we publicly proclaim our involvement in and support of our church. This is a very uplifting experience for families and for the church as a whole. Second, pledging allows us to properly budget our giving, and provides us a means to work toward the proper pledge level. Third, pledging allows the church to anticipate annual revenues and properly budget church finances.
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- Can I target my pledge to specific items?
Regular pledges are all used to fund the annual operating budget, and therefore are not targeted to specific budget items. If you have a specific mission project you wish to target, please consider making a directed gift. There are also several means for planned giving where Woods is the beneficiary of an estate.
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- Can I make a pledge other than cash?
Yes, Woods can accept non-cash donations such as stocks, bonds, property or other readily convertible assets. Please contact our Financial Secretary, Anne Veach, in the church office for information regarding these types of donations.
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- If I don't agree with the direction Woods is moving with regards to our worship services, why should I pledge?
Presbyterians believe that God's will is expressed through the efforts and prayers of the group. Concerning the "direction" in which Woods is moving, the Session, through prayer and much effort, develops programs, including types of worship, for the church. We believe and trust that God calls us, directs us and provides for us. Individuals should always contribute their thoughts and concerns. It is hoped that membership support of the several worship services will ensure their success and will help in their growth. Financial support of the church should not be conditioned upon complete approval of the direction the church seems to be going at any given moment. The best way to have an effect on the direction of the church is to become involved. Contribute your time and talent, don't withhold your support.
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- Where can I get information on budgeting issues?
You may attend the meeting of any ministry in which you are interested. These meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month (except July and August). You may also ask an Elder to help you locate someone to talk to about budget issues. Inquiries and inputs from church members are most welcome.
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