StewardshipIf you love something, take good care of it.

There is a wonderful parable in Mathew 25 about a master who wanted to see how his servants used their talents.  One spent them, one buried them, and one invested them. Although the Talent was a unit of Roman money, this story can be interpreted either way, about prudent use of money or skills. A community needs both.

An outreach-focused church will always have goals about how to best serve the community with big plans that cost time and money to bring to fruition. While tithing is not a requirement of being a member at Bellevue First Congregational Church, we recognize that big plans require the combined talents (in all forms) of a large number of people. For some people, financial support is the best way to contribute to the goals. For others, the volunteer time is a better match, on one of our many commissions or committees. Yet others have the ability to contribute musical skills to enhance our worship services. Together, we can accomplish big goals and appreciate each other’s contributions of time and talents.

Another aspect of stewardship has become increasingly important in our church as well. Part of leaving the world a little better than you found it is taking care of the environment. How do we jump off the “live large” train and live sustainably? Part of the answer to this question is to discuss with others what has worked with their families. See what works for you, and then share those learnings with others in the community; together, we can provide an example for others to follow.

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Stewardship Q&A

What is a pledge?
A pledge is a financial promise to support the church for the next year, usually through monthly contributions.

How can I make a pledge to the church?
You will receive a pledge card in the mail at the beginning of the Pledge Campaign during the first week in October.  There will also be pledges cards in the pews during the Pledge Campaign.  On Spirit Sunday, October 23rd you will have an opportunity to turn in your pledge card during the service.  If you cannot attend Spirit Sunday, you can place your pledge card in the offering plate on any Sunday in October that you are attending.  You can also mail your pledge card to Sally Moore, the church financial administrator, at any time.

Why is pledging important?
There are practical and spiritual reasons why pledging to the church is important.

Practically, pledges are what make our church run! Approximately 85% of the church’s income for its annual operating budget comes from pledges.  By making a pledge, you are indicating your intention to give a specific amount to the church for the following year.  This allows the church leadership to effectively plan the church budget in December to provide programs that are wanted by the congregation.  If you plan to give to the church but do not pledge, the church leadership cannot include these funds in the church operating budget.  This will result in a reduction of funds budgeted for church programs.

Spiritually, pledging is important because giving is itself a Christian spiritual practice: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35). Giving reflects our faith, that we are returning to God some of the abundance he has given us, knowing it will return: “Give and it will be given to you…the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” (Luke 6:38); “Give liberally and be ungrudging when you do so, for on this account the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and all that you undertake.” (Deuteronomy 15:10). Giving is a concrete personal commitment with spiritual rewards. Pledging allows us to be intentional about our giving and is part of our growing in Christian discipleship.

How much should I give?
There is no single right answer to that question. As Christians, we are called to give in proportion to our income and the demands upon it, in proportion to our awareness of those who suffer, and in proportion to our sense of justice and of God’s ownership of all wealth. When we commit to give to God’s work through Bellevue FCC, we renew our covenant with one another and with God.

Many in the church are working to tithe, giving 10% of one’s income back to God.  The Stewardship Commission’s Grow One Step challenge is a way in which members can work toward the goal of tithing.  The Stewardship Commission suggests that you think holistically about your giving and consider the “modern” tithe, which means you share approximately 5% with the church and 5% with other charities of your choice. 

To help you plan your giving, we offer a web-based calculator that provides proportionate giving amounts based on your income and goals and a Microsoft Excel giving worksheet (PC and Mac format) to help you plan your overall charitable giving. Spreadsheet directions and a completed sample for tax planning are also available.

How much do other members of Bellevue FCC give?
Bellevue FCC is a very diverse congregation and the ability of members to give varies greatly.  Member annual giving varies from $100 per year to in excess of $10,000 per year.  Last year members pledged an average of $2,238 per year.

Are there other opportunities to give during the year?
The Pledge Campaign in the fall is the only time that members are asked to make a commitment to support the church’s operating budget.  However you can make a gift to the church at anytime, including the Sunday offering or by contacting Sally Moore (425-454-5001).  You can also make a pledge at anytime if you are not able to pledge in October.

There are other opportunities to give.  The Outreach Commission sponsors several opportunities during the year for members to donate to charities outside the church.  None of these funds go to the church’s operating budget.

What if I need to change my pledge during the year?
If circumstances change during the year and you need to make a change to your pledge, simply contact Sally Moore in the church office.

Can I give electronically?
Yes, there are three different methods of electronic giving from which members can choose. Each method has distinct advantages and features:

Electronic Funds Transfer
This is an electronic funds transfer from a member’s bank account directly to the church’s bank account. This allows a member to define the amount and the frequency they wish to give. At Bellevue, this transfer is set for a calendar year to correspond with your annual pledge; it needs to be reestablished each year. Please be assured that these transfers are secure and that your pledge donation cannot be transferred anywhere except into the bank’s checking account. If you are interested in this form of electronic giving, complete the Electronic Funds Transfer form (PDF) each year you wish to pledge and send it to Sally Moore in the church office.

Bill Pay
Most banks offer a Bill Pay service as part of the Internet access to your bank account. Members can define the amount, frequency and timing for their donations and change them at any time. Members will need to establish Bellevue First Congregational UCC as a payee in their bank’s Bill Pay system. On the date that the member defines, the bank automatically sends a check to the church. Contact your bank if you have questions about this service.

Charitable Trust Funds
Many large investment services such as Fidelity and Schwab offer Charitable Trust Funds as a service to their customers for a nominal charge. These trust funds provide a convenient way to donate assets to the church. You simply transfer the asset – whether stocks, bonds, or mutual funds – into the Charitable Trust Fund. Since this transfer constitutes a donation, no tax is paid on the asset transferred. This is a strategy that members can use to avoid paying capital gains on appreciated assets. From the Charitable Trust Fund, you can make a cash donation to any recognized charity, including Bellevue First Congregational Church. Contact your investment advisor or broker for more information.

If I give electronically, how can I participate in the ritual of the offertory?
In order to allow everyone to participate fully in the offertory, a card is placed in the pews which states that the individual gives electronically. Those who wish can place the card in the plate as part of the service.