Why am I asked to pledge if I give?
The many programs offered by Trinity Church – the outreach to help others in the community and the world, the salaries of our staff members, the care of Trinity’s buildings and grounds – all require planning. The pledge process makes it possible for the leadership of Trinity Church to anticipate a revenue stream for 2012, and to prepare the annual budget accordingly.

How does this budget process work?
Each elected member of the Vestry serves either as the head or liaison of a Ministry at Trinity Church. Examples of ministries include: Worship, Christian Education, Buildings & Grounds, Stewardship, Stable Tour, Parish Life, Finance, and so on. In the early autumn, Vestry members, in collaboration with their respective committees, begin to anticipate what funds would be required to execute their ministries as envisioned during the following year. The Finance Committee reviews the early and successive drafts of the Vestry budget, and recommends suggestions. The Stewardship campaign requests that members and friends of Trinity Church offer their pledge cards on Commitment Sunday – this year on Sunday, November 6, 2011. When the pledge cards have been received and totaled by the Treasurer, the Vestry and Finance Committee will know whether they will be able to realize their plans for 2012.

What percentage of Trinity’s annual revenue is derived from pledges?
During 2011, 56% of the budgeted revenue was expected to come from net pledges. (“Net pledges” are after a provision for pledges that may be uncollectible for some reason). It is generally considered a healthy indicator if 75% of parish revenue derives from pledges. 

If only 56% of Trinity’s Revenue comes from pledges, where does the balance come from?
The balance of Trinity’s Revenue for 2011 (the other 44%) is expected to come from loose offerings in the collection plate, special gifts, the Stable Tour, the Christmas Auction, and  from Trinity’s endowment.

Does Trinity Church have a large endowment?
This seems to be a common misconception. Trinity church has a modest endowment. During 2011, only 15% of Trinity’s total revenue will have come from our endowment.  Trinity’s Endowment Fund is managed by an Endowment Committee consisting of five members of Trinity, plus the Treasurer who serves ex officio. They are appointed and approved by the Vestry, and serve for a finite term. They meet periodically to review endowment performance, and to evaluate asset class allocation and conservative investment opportunities.  A larger endowment would be extremely helpful in ensuring Trinity’s ability to provide for future operations. To this end, a Planned Giving committee has established The Meade Society to encourage parishioners to remember Trinity in their estate planning. Contributions to the endowment may be made at any time. Please consult with Henry Chapman, or with the church office for additional information about Planned Giving.

How much should I pledge?

This is a completely personal decision, between yourself and God. Giving to God is fundamentally different from giving to other charitable institutions. It is commanded by God in both the Old and New Testaments as an overt acknowledgement that God is the Giver of all we have. In the Old Testament, people were expected to “Tithe.” The word tithe means 10%. It is very difficult for many of us to tithe if we were not raised from childhood with the understanding that a tenth of all we have is expected to be given back. However, a good discipline is to take stock of what percentage we are presently giving, and to strive to increase our giving as a percentage going forward. Giving is supposed to hurt. If we live at the same level of affluence as someone at our same level of income, we are probably giving away too little. Sacrificial Giving means that there is something we will have to do without in order to make our gift possible. Through this practice, we honor God and acknowledge that:

“All things come of Thee, O Lord,

And of Thine own have we given Thee.”

May I revise my pledge during the year?
Absolutely. In these times of economic uncertainty, people often experience unforeseen changes in circumstances, for better and for worse. Your pledge represents your best intention, based on your estimate of the amount you plan to give during 2012. If you wish to revise your pledge, simply notify the Treasurer.  

Who knows how much I pledge?

Almost no one. We cannot reiterate this fact broadly enough. Your pledge is between yourself and God. It is an intensely personal decision. The Rector has chosen not to know the pledge amounts, although he is certainly entitled to that information, under the Canons of the Church. The Stewardship Committee does not know the pledged amounts; neither does the Finance Committee; neither do members of the Vestry.

Although you will receive an acknowledgement of thanks for your pledge from the co-chairs of the Stewardship Committee, they will have been told only that your pledge was received, not the amount of your pledge.

A very few people do need to know the amount of your pledge, in order to prepare tax documents for your use, and to supply aggregate revenue figures to the Vestry for use in the budget preparation process. These individuals include the Treasurer, the Parish Administrator, and the Parish Bookkeeper.

May I contribute using a Direct Debit or Credit Card?
Yes. Complete the information on the reverse side of the pledge card. This information is confidential and secure. An increasing number of contributors to Trinity are electing to make use of this convenient contribution option.

May I contribute online through Trinity’s website?

Yes. Trinity is offering an opportunity for you to “Donate Now” online. Simply click on the "donate now" button at the top of this page and follow the instructions to donate online. Your financial information is aVeriSign protected. You may utilize this new option to honor the balance of your pledge for 2011 as well. We hope this electronic giving option will provide you with added convenience.