Stewardship Pledging
Making a pledge to All Souls Church is making a commitment to the ministry and mission of your Church. Generously giving your time and financial resources fosters a bounty that we all share among our church community and in the wider world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Pledges to All Souls Church
- Why does the church ask me to pledge financial support each year? Donations from each of us are the primary source of revenue for the church. Stewardship is our celebration of the gifts we have been given and our expression of gratitude to God. Through giving, every member participates in the life and ministries of All Souls Church. Giving is also an act of discipleship. Please see "How Much Money Should I Give to All Souls Church?".
- What does the church do with my pledge?
Your pledges support and grow all the ministeries of All Souls. Pledges allow the church to develop an annual operating budget, so the officers that you select and charge with operating your church can know how much money is available to accomplish the church's mission. Your pledges support mission and outreach - in our own community and region, as well as in Downeast Maine, Central America and other places around the United States and across the globe. Pledges also maintain our building, support pastoral, preaching and teaching ministries, and fund educational programs, congregational care, and worship. In short: your pledges make all our ministries possible.
- Doesn't the church have fund-raisers and endowment funds to pay for current expenses?
Yes. The Church Bazaar is a major fellowship and fund raising event. Bazaar funds help with current expenses (sometimes for 1 to 2% of the annual budget). All Souls has an endowment which contributes to annual expenses. The endowment provides 10-20% of annual expenses. Recently other fund raising activities have been added to help reduce the building debt. All other major fund raisers support missions and outreach programs, not annual expenses.
- How much should I give?
Scripture talks about the tithe - an offering of the first 10% of the gifts God has given you. Some of our members tithe. Some start by giving 5% of their annual income to the church and 5% to other causes they want to support. We encourage members to give a portion of their income and to think about proportional giving. Giving should be proportional and significant. Christian giving comes from "first fruits" not from what is left over. Please see "How Much Money Should I Give to All Souls Church?".
- What if I am giving 1% or 2% of my income to the church today?
We invite you to consider increasing your pledge each year, perhaps by 1% until you reach that "significant" level.
- Are my contributions to the church tax deductible?
Yes. You will get a year-end statement from the church that will serve as your receipt as required by the IRS.
- When does the church need my pledge?
Pledge Sunday is in November. We ask you to bring your pledge card to church on that Sunday or mail your pledge card to the church office. Getting your pledge in promptly reduces the work of our volunteers who make follow-up phone calls.
- How do I pay my pledge?
You may pay your pledge in cash, check, or stock. You may pay weekly, monthly, or annually. The church can, at your request, make monthly withdrawals from your bank account for the amount you specify. You can also make payments by credit or debit card, but these services cost the church some substantial fees, reducing the value of your pledge by 2 or 3%. Monthly withdrawals from your checking or saving account or your own electronic transfer of funds are preferred and convenient methods of giving. Contact the Church Office (942-7354 or churchoffice@allsoulsbangor.org) or click here if you would like the forms to enable electronic fund transfers or if you would like more information about the options available.
- Why can't I just send money and not make a pledge?
Pledging helps the church know how much money it can budget. If you send money but don't pledge, your contributions will not be included in the budget estimates that are prepared for the following year.
- What if I have questions about the church budget?
Members of the Stewardship Committee, the Executive Committee or the Ministers welcome your questions about the budget.