Stewardship
More Than Enough
As we emerge from this period of disruption and isolation in our congregations, we have felt the pain and frustration of distance, of diminished resources, and of our ability to connect in the ways to which we are accustomed. However, as we take inventory of our spiritual resources, the strength of our community, and our capacity for generosity, we realize that there is now, and always has been, More Than Enough.
Make a promise.
The pledge card is very important for future planning in our parish. Filling it out and sending it in by December 7th allows us to plan projects, fund regular activities, and estimate church needs for the year. Your pledge card is part of your ministry to your church and community. Even if you can't fill it out by December 7th, send it in when you can. It is a commitment between you and God that is going to make you feel good. Watch for your pledge card in the mail! You can also fill out the pledge card online and email it to Rachel at church@stjohns-ames.org.
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.
Below you will find the FAQ sheet with the most frequently asked questions about the process of filling out your pledge card. If they don't answer your questions, please call the church office and we will try to answer them for you.
The percentage chart shown above is easy to use. On the left column find a range into which your annual household income fits. Follow that row to the right until you find a dollar figure closest to your current weekly giving amount. (If you give monthly multiply this figure by 4 to find your approximate monthly giving amount.) Now follow that column up to the top row to find the average percentage of your income that you are giving. Try increasing it by 1% in the coming year. Is that going to work for you? Some families find this gradual increase to be a good way to reach the Biblical tithe without a large change.
If your circumstances change and you need to reduce or suspend your pledge, don't worry. It happens to many of us at some time or another. Please call the church office, and inform us the change will be occurring so we can plan accordingly. It gives us a chance to pray especially hard for you and your family when a need arises.