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We should so live and labor in our times that what came to us as seed may go to the next generation as blossom, and what came to us as blossom may go to them as fruit. This expresses the true spirit in the love of humankind. (Henry Ward Beecher)
Annual Pledging
Annual pledges support everything we do at Good Shepherd. Our annual budget is driven by the generosity of our parishioners - each year we must generate funds to support the mission and ministry of Good Shepherd. Annual pledges support all of the operating costs of our ministry programs, facilities maintenance and staff operations.
Many ministries are attractive to pledge money to support; there are others that are more mundane but just as necessary. Paying rising electricity, fuel, and insurance costs are ministries in their own right, as is keeping the church staffed and functioning.
A pledge to Good Shepherd is an important and individual decision based upon each individual or family financial situation. To determine an appropriate level of giving, consider an annual pledge in proportion to your income. Proportionate giving is based on the premise that the first fruits are given back to God in grateful response to what God has given us. A pledge can always be adjusted. We suggest that you pledge responsibly on what you know you can afford based upon your conservative estimate of your coming year's income.
We ask everyone to make their annual pledge by Fall Feast, which takes place each September. You can either bring your pledge card to the church or drop it in the mail. Meeting this deadline is important to help establish the budget for the upcoming year. Nevertheless, pledges are welcomed throughout the year.
Returning your pledge card is simply a promise to pay the pledged amount. You can fulfill your pledge in as many payments as you wish throughout the year. Weekly or monthly payments are preferred to provide maximum cash flow to help us manage the budget.
Planned Giving
Giving to Good Shepherd is an act of confidence and faith. Just as we benefit from the resources left by those who came before us, so do we bear responsibility to future generations. Planned Gifts are generally made from accumulated resources or net worth rather than from current income. Planning these gifts is a creative process that considers the present and future needs of the recipient as well as the desires of the donor. It is a very personal way to give thanks for blessings received and to leave a legacy of purpose and generosity.
The role that Good Shepherd plays in the formation of personal ethics, social justice and faith for the future of our world is beyond measure. Tomorrow, just as certainly as today, people will need the voices of their clergy and their congregations to challenge patterns of greed and prejudice.
Planned Gifts will perpetuate your generosity beyond your lifetime, and may be made to honor loved ones, leave a personal legacy or to provide continuing support for a special cause. There are numerous charitable giving options - many of which can provide you an income today, and benefit Good Shepherd in the future. The creative process of gift planning includes not only the selection of programs to support, but also the financial selection of planned giving instruments. If you'd like a consultation with someone on our Stewardship Committee about how to ensure that the mission of this faith community will live on please submit the form below.
Inquiry Form
Please submit the form below if you would like a consultation with or have a question for one of our Stewardship representatives. Someone will respond to your inquiry soon.
Thank you!
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