Q: How can I make a pledge to St. Timothy’s?
A: You can make your pledge to St. Timothy’s through the following links:
Faithful Giving Pledge Card
Faithful Serving Pledge Card (Adult)
Faithful Serving Pledge Card (Child)
Q: What does it mean to make a financial pledge to St. Timothy’s?
A: A pledge is a commitment to our church to give a specific amount of your financial resources to St. Tim’s over the course of one calendar year. Members of the St. Tim’s community renew their pledge every year.
Q: Why is pledging important?
A: Your gifts of time, talent and treasure make things happen at St. Tim’s – both at our church and in our missions! Episcopalians believe that stewardship — pledging back to God a portion of what God has given you — is part of maintaining one’s spiritual life. It allows us to reflect on the gifts God has given us and show our thanks by giving back. There is also a practical reason for pledging. St. Tim’s plans our entire year of events and operating budget based on the pledges that are received the year before.
Q: I give to the plate. Why do I have to pledge?
A: Thank you! We are grateful for your gifts and generosity. In short, you don’t have to pledge. Giving regularly is a vital spiritual practice that dates back to biblical times! However, pledging is a way of telling your church about your spiritual gift, so that your gift can be maximized as the ministry budget is planned each year.
Q: Where does my pledge money go?
A: 100% of your pledge money keeps St. Tim’s moving forward as a church. Pledges fund our pastor and staff salaries, music, education forums, building repairs, many of our community celebrations, heat for all our buildings, etc. It also helps us participate in ministries like Compassion Week, support Santa Maria Urban Mission, and supplement the Little Free Pantry.
Q: How much should I pledge?
A: The act of pledging or tithing is an act of trust in God’s provision and blessing. At the original tithe in the promised land, the Israelites gave the first 1/10th of their harvest to the priests (who couldn’t grow their own food). It wasn’t the last 10% of what was picked, it wasn’t the leftovers. It was the first tenth of the harvest. In other words, before eating anything themselves, before feeding their own families, the Israelites would tithe from the first fruits of the harvest. However much you pledge, put it at the top of your budget each month trusting that God will provide.
Q: I am not a member. Do I have to join the Episcopal Church to pledge?
A: No! We would love to have you pledge and you do not have to be a member of the Episcopal Church (or any church!) to pledge. Anyone, no matter your faith, can be part of our church and we welcome you!
Q: What are different ways to make my pledge?
A: The best way to make your confidential pledge is to email our treasurer, Vance Wagner at dvwagner@gmail.com.
Q: Can I give stocks or other financial instruments?
A: Yes, this is a great way that may help you to offset capital gains. Please contact the treasurer for instructions for donating securities (Vance Wagner at dvwagner@gmail.com).
Q: Are my donations tax deductible?
A: Yes, they are tax deductible. St. Tim’s is a 501c(3) organization. You will receive a statement that details all the donations that you made during the year.
Q: Is stewardship all about money?
A: Stewardship is the responsible management of our God-given resources of time, talent and treasure. It is a way of life that enhances our relationship with God and one another. To that end, the mission of St. Tim’s is to promote awareness in the congregation that God is the source of all that we have and all that we are. In His name, we have a responsibility to give back to our church family and our missions in the community – just as our church family gives to us.