Wondering how much to give?

We share our gifts in proportion to how God has blessed us. In the Old Testament offerings to God were given by the tithe (10%) and also by the first born of the herd. Both were a way of thanking God for the blessings of today and telling God you trusted in His goodness tomorrow and in the future. It’s a little different today.

For some people giving 10% of their income would negatively impact the nourishment of their family – protein may disappear from the table. However, for others a 10% offering may not even be noticeable in their day to day lives. Some should give less that 10%, some should give much more than 10%. How much should you give?

A pledge is a percentage of your income that you give on a regular basis. The amount should be noticeable, so both you and God notice!

Begin by imagining giving 1-2% of your income. If that doesn’t seem noticeable, keep increasing the percentage until it makes a difference to you and God. Give an amount that demonstrates you care about your church and how it carries out Christ’s mission.

Some people find it useful to compare their annual pledge offering to other expenses and contributions. How do you value God’s Word in your life and proclaimed to the community around you?

  • As much as the cost of a vacation?
  • As much as one year’s tuition?
  • More than a year’s golfing expenses?

If you do this, please remember, your pledge offering is exactly that – a pledge offering to God. An annual pledge is a sacred offering as a member of Christ’s body.

What is unique about financial gifts to St. Mary’s?

And why should I make my gift to St. Mary’s a priority?

St. Mary’s ministries exist solely on the contributions and pledges of her members. We receive no funds, grants, or gifts from any other organization or source. We are the body of Christ doing Christ’s work in this community. Your support makes THE difference as to how much we can reach out to others.

People new to St. Mary’s may not realize that as a parish in the Episcopal church, we send money to the diocese so on a regional level other needed charities and churches are inspired and sustained. We believe in the outreach and spiritual support that the Episcopal churches in the Bay Area offer.

And, yes, St. Mary’s is a recognized charitable institution and your financial and in-kind gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.