Dear Friends in Christ,

As I continue to think about financial stewardship this summer, I am thinking about frequently asked questions—or, more rightly, the things that maybe feel too awkward to ask.

Where does the money actually go?
Annual pledges go towards our General Operating Fund, which means that they support the unglamorous but essential work of keeping the church doors open. The Operating Fund pays the light bill, the staff salaries, and the insurance premium. It also pays for the programming we do, such as pulling off our youth nights or supporting our local community outreach partners.

Why can’t I just give my money to the things that matter most to me?
To some extent, you can. We have certain funds at the church outside the General Operating Fund; these funds cover specific ministries, like altar flowers or the Food Pantry. You can donate directly to any one of these funds. But each of those ministries depends on the church infrastructure which the General Operating Fund sustains. And the General Operating Fund is guided by an annual budget—a budget developed by your elected vestry and reflecting the mission and priorities of the parish.

Doesn’t the church get supported by the Diocese?
It’s actually the other way around. We pledge annually to the Diocese of Virginia—just like we ask people to pledge to the parish.

Doesn’t the church have an endowment? Can’t we just rely on that?
We do. It’s called the Grace Church Trust. (And you can contribute directly to the Trust, too.) But the Trust does not support our regular expenses. Distributions from the Trust (which are a percentage of Trust assets) go mostly towards capital expenses—things like HVAC replacement. We rely not on the legacy of the past but on current members for the current expenses of the church.

My giving is between me and God. Why do I have to tell you what I will give?
You don’t. But pledging allows the vestry to plan. Without it, they have no way to know if there will be enough money for things like cost of living increases for staff or any increase for the diocesan pledge.

Who sees my pledge?
The church holds pledge information closely. Administrative staff can see giving information, and so can specific volunteers (such as the Treasurer or Stewardship Lead) on a need-to-know basis. I know whether or not a person pledges—it’s a sign of spiritual connection and health—but not how much.

Do clergy pledge?
Yes. It may sound strange, given that the church pays my salary, but it is just as important for me as for anyone else to have this practice of generosity. It will help make me a better Christian and a better person.

Yours in Christ,
Anne+