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Our campaign

What’s it all about?

At St. Anne’s, we believe that financial stewardship is an important part of an integrated spiritual life. Cheerfully giving from what God has given us is a tangible way to express our faith. When each of us gives as we are able, together we fund ministry within our parish, to the Conway community, and to the wider world.

What is a pledge?

A pledge is not a binding contract; rather it is an estimate of giving. Some churches call a pledge “a statement of intent.” Your pledge amount may be changed, increased or decreased during the year, at any time as your financial circumstances change. 

Why should I pledge?

Pledging gives you the opportunity to make intentional decisions about your financial giving. When you plan ahead for your giving, you make conscious choices about spending your money in ways that reflect your faith and values. Receiving your pledge allows the St. Anne’s Vestry (the church’s governing board) to do for our parish community what you do for your household: plan wisely for the use of resources in support of the mission and ministry to which God has called us. The St. Anne’s Vestry sets a budget based on the total amount pledged to the church. While unpledged plate offerings and special outreach appeals are important to the parish, your pledge lets the Vestry plan more accurately for the ministry we can accomplish.

How do I pledge?

While our annual giving campaign is held in the fall, pledges may be made at any time. Pledge forms are readily available during our campaign, and they can also be specially requested at any time. If you prefer to make your pledge online, you can visit the giving module on our website.  

How do I pay my pledge?

You may pay weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly via cash, checks, credit card, or electronic fund transfer (EFT - our treasurer, Rebecca Lovelace can help you with this process). Pay by credit card or debit via online giving. You may also pay your pledge with a donation of stock (to do so, please contact ). Many companies have matching funds for charitable donations. If your company has such a plan, please let us know.

How much should I pledge?

Determining the amount of your annual pledge is between you and God. However, as you make this important decision, reflecting on your vision of stewardship may be beneficial. Below is a suggestion for how we all might consider our personal vision of stewardship in terms of a spectrum:

• I give because I am supposed to give — a sense of duty
• I give to pay my own way — a sense of fairness
• I give to return a portion of my blessings — a sense of gratitude
• I give to keep church ministries free to all — a sense of generosity

There is no secret as to how you move along this progression. However, when you push yourself to another level, you will find your faithfulness expanding as well.

What is proportionate giving?

St. Anne’s is committed to proportional giving, with the goal of tithing (10%). If you are not pledging 10%, pledge a lower percentage and consider increasing your pledge each year. We ask that you prayerfully consider what level of giving is right for you and your family.

What is a tithe?

A tithe is 10% of your income. At its General Convention in 1982, the Episcopal Church affirmed the tithe is the minimum standard for giving and encourages its members to tithe or be working toward a tithe. This resolution recognizes that many persons choose to divide their tithe among the church and other worthy organizations. A tithe may sound like an unattainable goal, to begin with, but if you start with a certain proportion of your income and increase the percentage each year, you will be tithing in a short time. You could start with 5%, a half tithe. Another option is 2½%, which is equivalent to pledging the first hour’s pay of a 40-hour work week. The “Giving Percentage” chart below may help.

A Guideline To Proportional Giving

Every pledge, every amount matters.

Where you start or whether you tithe on your annual or gross income is not nearly as important as simply making your first pledge. Every pledge makes a difference, regardless of the amount.

How many households make an annual pledge?

Over the past five years, the pledge participation has grown from around 40% to about 60% of St. Anne's members. This is wonderful. However, our goal is to increase participation even more. Please make a pledge, even if the amount is not as much as you’d like it to be. Every pledge and everyone is needed.

What if I make a pledge but later find I can’t pay it in full?

Parishioners raise and lower their pledges all the time. A pledge is an estimate to help church budgeting; it is not a legal or moral obligation. Please don’t let your uncertainty prevent you from making a pledge. If you have financial difficulties or other unexpected events, simply notify the Treasurer ( ).

Isn’t there additional income that supplements the budget?

100% of our budget comes from gifts from parishioners and friends of the church. While the average pledge in 2019 was $2808, half of the pledges were under $1,300; two-thirds were under $2,000. St. Anne’s depends on your faithfulness and generosity. Our ministries are supported by the commitment you make.

Questions?

If you have questions about financial stewardship or tithing, please contact our Vestry Member Pete Hearn ( ).