Dear St. John's Family
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There is a sentence that was traditionally said when the offering was being taken up in Episcopal churches that is from King David in 1 Chronicles. From the 1928 prayerbook: “All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.” This simple yet profound prayer invites us to live out of deep awareness of gratitude. All things come from God. Period. That is where all our theology begins. That is where our story begins. This Earth, this country, your children, your parents and grandparents, your friends, your pets, all of your beloved ones, All of life, down to your very breath….All are gifts.
The St. John’s clergy invite you to take some time and slow down this Thanksgiving season…and then pray. Thank God for all that you have been given, are given, and will be given. Really take stock of the blessings that make up your life. And then, respond….Of thine own have we given thee. We give back. We give to others. We give to God. And in doing so, we give ourselves a more full and meaningful life. In this way, your pledge is a tangible prayer….nothing less. St. John’s remains committed to spreading the Good News of God’s love.
Thank you for making and renewing your pledge for 2024. Thanks be to God.
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The Reverend Canon Christopher J. Hackett
WHAT IS A PLEDGE?
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A pledge is the amount you plan to contribute during a specific fiscal year. It is a financial commitment to the Cathedral that helps pay for our ministries, staff and building upkeep. Pledges enable us to plan responsibly and help establish a sustainable annual operating budget. It is also your way of affirming your membership at the Cathedral and your expression of gratitude to God for all that has been given to you.
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WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GIFT AND A PLEDGE?
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A gift is a one-time donation payment and may go towards a specific fund. While these are greatly appreciated, what we really need are pledges. A pledge is the amount you plan to give during a specific fiscal year. It is a financial commitment to the Cathedral that helps pay for our ministries, staff, and building upkeep. Pledges enable us to plan responsibly and establish a sustainable annual operating budget which is why we ask you to pledge in the Fall for the following fiscal year.
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HOW DO I PLEDGE?
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Making a pledge is easy. Please click on the pledge button above or HERE to fill out our secure online pledge form. Your personal information will remain strictly confidential.
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WHY IS MY PLEDGE IMPORTANT?
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Our operating budget is based on the amount of pledges we receive each year. We do not receive financial support from the Diocese or National Episcopal Church.
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WHY PLEDGE WHEN I CAN PUT MONEY IN THE COLLECTION PLATE?
We are grateful for the generosity of all guests who donate during the weekly offertory. However, as Members of St. John's Cathedral, we are called to make an annual pledge as stewards of this wonderful church community. Pledging enables us to plan responsibly and establish a sustainable annual budget.
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HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
Giving is a spiritual practice that should be prayerfully considered. Scripture encourages proportionate giving or giving a percentage of one’s income as an act of thanksgiving for the bounty we have received, with the Scriptural tithe (10%) as a goal.
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MY INCOME VARIES. HOW DO I CALCULATE HOW MUCH TO PLEDGE?
Your pledge can be your promise of the minimum amount you will commit to the Cathedral. If your income increases, you are welcome to increase your pledge. Please do not let a variable income prevent you from making a pledge.
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DO I HAVE TO PAY MY PLEDGE ALL AT ONCE?
No. Many people fulfill their pledge weekly, monthly, or quarterly. Some set up a regular payment schedule by bank transfer or credit card.