Giving to St. Andrew's

Each year, we hold a stewardship campaign and celebrate the close of the campaign on Loyalty Sunday. We collect the annual pledges made by our parish family – pledges to financially support and be good stewards of our church. We also give these pledges up to God and ask His blessing and guidance for the proper use of those gifts.  Pledges to St. Andrew's are welcome at any time. Simply download a pledge form and return to the church.. Your gift will be greatly appreciated.

Why is making a pledge important? Our annual parish budget is influenced by the pledges that are made each year. When you pledge, it helps the vestry and the treasurer anticipate the funds that will be available and to set a budget for our ministries and general expenses. Your commitment of treasure works together with the gifts of time and talent to enable our community to fulfill God’s call.

When do I make a pledge? Pledges may be made at any time, however, we hold our annual pledge drive in the fall so that we may plan for the next calendar year. In early September, pledge forms are mailed. This form gives you the opportunity to make your financial pledge to the parish and to express your interest in St. Andrew’s many ministries. We ask that you take time to prayerfully answer the questions contained on the pledge form. We also hope that this process contributes to your spiritual growth.

What if I don’t receive a letter? We do our best to mail letters to each family that pledged at St. Andrew’s for 2011, active members of St. Andrew's, and those who are not formal members but who have records of regular giving to St. Andrew’s. If you do not receive a letter, it is an oversight. Simply download a pledge form if you would like to make a pledge.

Whom can I speak with about pledging? You may talk to any vestry member, members of the Stewardship Committee, or our rector Barbara. The 2011 Stewardship Committee includes Steven Stewart (Chair) and Chris Barker (Treasurer).

What happens if my financial situation changes? While your pledge is a commitment, it is not a contract. We all have ups and downs in our lives, and we don't want your pledge to be a source of stress. If you find yourself faced with such challenges, please speak with a vestry member or our rector Barbara about adjusting your pledge and share your challenges with someone who will have an understanding heart and a sympathetic ear.

Do I need to be an official member to pledge? No. You do not need to be a recognized “member” to make a pledge—you only need to hear God’s call to share your treasure in support of our parish mission. If you are interested in becoming a member, review the membership process or contact the church office for more information. You also do not need to be a confirmed member to be actively involved in parish activities, but there are few liturgical and leadership roles reserved for 'confirmed communicants in good standing', such as lay Eucharistic visitors, Eucharistic ministers, worship leaders and vestry members.

What does it mean if I express interest in the ministries on my pledge form? If you check a ministry box, you are not officially committing to that ministry. You are simply telling the leaders of the various ministries that you would like to learn more about the opportunities, responsibilities, and time commitment required. This is a wonderful chance to see if your gifts of time and talent are a good fit, and if you feel called to serve through a particular ministry. The financial portion of the pledge form will be separated, given to the treasurer, and remain completely confidential.

Please also check any ministries in which you already participate. We hope you will use the card to revitalize and renew your commitment to ministries in which you are currently active.

Where and when do I return my pledge? Our hope is that everyone will consider and submit a pledge by Loyalty Sunday, October 16. Pledge forms may be put in the alms basins during Sunday services, or you may bring your completed form to be blessed with the others on that Sunday. Or, you may mail it to the church office. Receiving all pledges by October 16 ensures that the treasurer and vestry have time to consider and prepare next year’s budget.

Can I submit my pledge electronically or with a credit card? Most banking institutions provide a way to pay bills or other recurring payments electronically. If you are interested in this option for your pledge, contact your banking institution for details on how to set up a recurring payment schedule to send your contributions to St. Andrew's. Offering direct deposit has been considered, but due to the administrative requirements and fees, we currently do not offer direct deposit as a payment option. We are investigating various ways to offer electronic pledge payment online, which would allow you to pay with a credit card. If this would be helpful to you, please speak with me or another vestry member

Support St. Andrew's When You Shop

If you shop at Randall's or Kroger, you can give to St. Andrew's every time you check out. When you participate in the Randall's Good Neighbor Program and the Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Program, St. Andrew's will receive a percentage of your total purchases. To sign up for the programs, simply download the applications below and sign up at the store of your choice as instructed.

Kroger Neighbor to Neighbor Program

Randall's Good Neighbor Program