Why Give Money or Time to a Church?

Stewardship is not a program, nor is it simply about raising money. Put simply, giving is our response to what we have received. We are created in God’s image, as we read in the Book of Genesis, and God gives. God gives us life and love, forgiveness and mercy. Stewardship is our response to God’s gifts, in which we give of our time, talent, and treasure so that the church can carry on its ministries of worship, formation, and service. Stewardship is our giving back to God, in thanksgiving, a portion of the blessings we have received. Today, there are many worthy charities doing good work. They deserve your financial support. Many of our members do not limit their giving to just First & Franklin. However, for nearly 2000 years, this is what we know to be true: making a decision to give back to God through the ministry of the Church is an essential way for us to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world.

 

What about gifts of time and talent?

The ministry of First & Franklin could not survive without the countless hours of donated time and the generous sharing of talents and gifts by so many of our members. The gifts of time and talent are invaluable to our common life and are very much appreciated. We need your gifts of time and talent too!

 

Why fill out a pledge card?

Each year, we ask you to make a financial offering in the form of a pledge. A pledge is your commitment of a certain amount of money to help this community do the work that God has given it to do. Only when the signed pledge cards are received and totaled can the church’s leadership adequately plan and budget for the upcoming year. Without a broad-based financial commitment through pledging, we would not be able to offer the kind of pastoral care, spiritual formation, support of worthy outreach ministries in the community around us, and the quality worship that we have all come to appreciate. You can also pledge online at www.firstfranklin.org/pledge. 

 

Should one make a pledge as an individual or a couple?

There is no hard and fast rule. Most married couples sign one pledge card. Some people feel strongly about making their own individual pledge. Each young person who has been confirmed is invited to make his or her own pledge, as well as those adults over the age of 18 living in the family home.

 

What if one decides not to pledge and instead puts cash into the Sunday collection?

All monies given to the church are offered to the glory of God. However, the total yearly amount received from collection plate offerings accounts for a small fraction of the monies needed to fund the ministry of First & Franklin.

 

Suppose my personal financial picture varies from month to month, year to year?

One of the most frequent reasons people offer for not making a pledge is that they are uncertain about their overall financial picture in the year ahead. In today’s economy, your personal financial picture may change from month-to-month, year-to-year. When you make a pledge for the upcoming year, should your income drop dramatically, please know that you may decrease your pledge by speaking with the Treasurer.  On the other hand, should you experience an added bonus or dividend during the year, you are of course free to increase your pledge.

 

What if I was not able to pay my pledge in full in years past?

Each year the slate is wiped clean. We send you an end of year statement, and if you can catch up in the coming year, great! We appreciate that. However, if circumstances prevented you from fulfilling past pledges, do not allow that experience to discourage pledging for the upcoming year. Begin the New Year with a new slate.

 

How much should I pledge?

In truth, we can never give back to God as much as we have been given. Each one of us needs to ask the question "how much is enough" and answer it for oneself. A few of our members have been tithing – giving 10% of their income – for years, and they speak with great passion and joy for what the discipline has meant in their lives. How much you decide to pledge is a prayerful process between you and God.