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| Frequenty Asked Questions about Pledging |
What is Stewardship?
Stewardship in the church is a broad concept. Stewardship is about being faithful disciples, caring for and managing all that God has given us. Stewardship is the grateful response to God's grace and goodness. It requires a consideration of how our choices affect us and others, of how we can be good caretakers of the created world, and of how we can best serve God as disciples of Christ. At Calvary, when we refer to the Stewardship Mission, we are referring to our annual fundraising efforts – specifically, the request to each member and friend of the church to make a pledge to Calvary for the coming year.
What is a "pledge"?
A pledge is a commitment to give a certain amount of money each year to help Calvary grow in ministry and mission. Your pledge tells us, "I am part of this community, and I want to show that this church and its goals are important to me." Pledging is considered to be an important part of membership at Calvary.
What if my circumstances change mid-year and I can’t fulfill my pledge?
Please let us know by contacting either Calvary's bookkeeper, Dorothy Pett, or one of the clergy. First and foremost, perhaps Calvary can help you through this difficult time. Secondly, please know that we do not pursue "collections". We simply ask that you make your pledge in good faith as you know your circumstances at the time. We know circumstances change. And we're here for you in the difficult times.
How much should I give?
When we make the decision to join Calvary, we take responsibility for contributing to the life and mission of this faith community. The Annual Pledge is based on the spiritual principles of stewardship and on the teaching of Jesus. Namely, all that we have and all that we are comes from God and, as a way to thank God for all God's blessings, we return a portion of the personal and financial gifts allotted to us.
We recommend that you consider your pledge as a percentage of your income. Scripture refers to tithing – providing a tenth (10%) of your income to support the work of God. We understand that 10% of your income may be an overwhelming goal. In the past, we have recommended 4% as a target if tithing feels beyond reach. Please consider a pledge amount and then figure what per cent of your income it represents. Does that feel right given your circumstances?
How do I give?
You can fulfill your pledge in many different ways. Weekly...monthly... quarterly. It's up to you and what works best for you. For details on the different methods of giving, please go to our "Nuts and Bolts Guide to Giving".
Isn't Calvary a rich church? Why should I give?
While Calvary is indeed located in an affluent area, we have very few members who are of the significant wealth that you might think of as you walk by the homes on Pacific and Broadway on your way to church. In fact, we have just 25 members who give $10,000 or more, and 80% of those pledges are less than $20,000. We do have members who are particularly blessed by God's abundance. Yet, the bulk of our budget is supported by working folks who demonstrate their faith through giving.
Ultimately, your decision to give is based on your prayerful consideration – your conversation with God. Others may give small or large amounts, but ultimately, your decision is between you and God.
Where does Calvary spend its money?
Calvary’s spending falls into three main categories:
• Salaries at ~62% of the total budget, including the clergy and the Directors of music and children's ministries, caregivers to babies and toddlers working on the 3rd floor during services, office staff and the folks who work at the front desk to provide security on evenings when church members and community organizations are meeting.
• 10% is allocated for running our building...utilities, trash, maintenance and other building related costs.
• 10% extends beyond Calvary’s doors and into the wider community. Groups where we serve together as a community but also support financially including Martin de Porres' soup kitchen, Raphael House, the San Francisco Food Bank and others. In addition, Calvary supports the PC(USA) Presbytery, the General Assembly and two missionaries.
The remaining spending is a mix of items ranging from music costs to charges for the parking lot on Sunday mornings. The church is very careful with every dollar spent.
What sources of money does Calvary have?
Over 70% of our income comes from pledges, so your commitment is critical. Without it, we cannot move forward with our ministries and programs. Additional sources of income include:
1) Sunday morning plate offerings (those not associated with an indicated pledge)
2) Facility use by other organizations (nursery school, concerts by outside organizations, etc.)
3) Investment reserves (~5% of principal)
4) The Calvary Foundation (finite contributions for new and special ministries/events)
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For more information:
Amy Hockman
415.551.1443
ahockman23@pacbell.net
2010 Pledge Form (.pdf)
click here for
online form
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