Make a Pledge
“An annual pledge differs from other charitable contributions. It is both a spiritual practice and a practical way to support the life and work of our Cathedral.”
WHAT IS A PLEDGE?
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.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GIFT AND A PLEDGE?
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.
HOW DO I PLEDGE?
Making a pledge is easy. Please click on the pledge button above or HERE and fill out our secure online pledge form. Your personal information will remain strictly confidential.
WHY IS MY PLEDGE IMPORTANT?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dear St. John's Family
Recently I was researching our archives and ran across a file from the time of the Great Depression in the 1920s. The congregation borrowed $21,000 during this bleak time. The loan kept the doors open. I also found the hand-written pledges from parish members to retire the debt. The amounts seem so small: $100 ... $150 … $35 … all to be paid over a period of a year or two. One letter from Mr. John W. Felton, Jr. to the stewardship committee grabbed my attention. “I hope to retire this indebtedness before another year rolls around. I made the pledge in faith and will take care of it as soon as I am in a position to do so.” Mr. Felton, whose grandson and family are still part of this church, remind me why St. John’s is so strong. There was and is a vibrancy of belonging, dedication, and commitment that year after year have given success to of our ministry of prayer, work, and yes, the giving of money.
This has been an unusual, hard year. The women and men before us knew hard times like ours. Their faith commitment was essential as our faith and our commitments are just as essential. St. John’s for generations has the tithe as a principle. It has been a standard as we strive to give back to God 10% for ministry and the spread of the gospel.
Please take time to consider what you can do and what you can give and then please make a pledge. Whatever you decide, God will bless. God blesses all that we offer.
The Very Reverend John C. Ross