SPIRITUAL HEALTH CO-PAY

Are you hesitant in making that first pledge?

When pledge season comes ‘round there is always the question, how much should I pledge?  Or even, should I pledge?  I have a couple of different ideas for calculating your first pledge--agreed, putting a number on paper is scary.  The number is your commitment to being part of a budget of an organization that *seems* like it should be ok and doesn’t really need the money.  For folks who haven’t grown up Episcopalian, it is often a surprise that Episcopal churches are largely congregation-funded.  We do not have the huge endowments of the Roman Catholic Church, and we are also required to pay into funds which support the larger mission of the church (including Mission, Education and Retirement funds).

Honestly, to put heat on in the building, National Grid needs the money, we are just the conduit of that transaction.  The same with the other utilities and pesky carrying costs of the building.

Here’s an unusual suggestion, consider a trip to St. Mark’s as valuable as a trip to the therapist or heart doctor.  A visit to church can be considered therapy for high-blood pressure, singing lessons, or a free concert.  It’s a Sunday mid-morning snack.  How to price all of the good and sweet things a church offers?

I am going to create a new health service--a Spiritual Health Co-Pay--If going to church gives you good mental health (eases anxiety, keeps you connected to community, makes you happy) consider sponsoring it at $20 per week or $60-80 per month.  Or $20 per month.  It is a Spiritual Health Co-Pay!

$20 per week = $1040 per year

$60 per month=$720 per year

$20 per month= $240 per year

Wow, that’s a huge disparity, isn’t it? Between $1040 per year and $240 per year?!  The truth is this:  if you are uncomfortable pledging $1040 and get analysis paralysis, we will have nothing to put in our spreadsheets calculating next year’s budget.  However, new pledges of $20 per month from non-pledging current members would be wonderful for our budget.

So, in making that first pledge, consider your investment in the church as your weekly Spiritual Therapy. Give generously if you are ok making that leap of Faith--otherwise, consider dipping your toe into the budgeting stream of the church by a humble $20 monthly payment.  

Please don’t stress and over-think this. All are welcome at The Lord’s Table and the Lord Loves a Cheerful Giver.   And there is no gawping at the list of contributions--there is one keeper of pledges and this person keeps it all under their hat.  Just prayerfully consider how much you can CHEERFULLY GIVE, and I believe the impact will bless you throughout the year.

--Susan Casale