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Why and how do I pledge?
At Cobleskill UMC, financial stewardship is an important component of a balanced spiritual life. Returning to God that which God has given us is a tangible way to express our faith. When each of us gives as we are able, together we fund ministry within our local church and the wider community.
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WHAT IS A PLEDGE?
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A pledge is an estimate of giving for the coming year. It is a statement of intent that reflects your commitment to giving to Cobleskill UMC. Your pledge amount may be changed at any time as your financial circumstances change.
WHY SHOULD I PLEDGE?
Pledging allows you to make intentional decisions about your financial giving. When you plan ahead for your giving, you make conscious choices about spending your money in ways that reflect your faith and values. Receiving your pledge allows our Finance Committee to do for our congregation what you do for your household: plan wisely for the use of our resources in support of the mission and ministry to which God has called us. The Finance Committee sets a budget based on the total amount pledged to the church. While plate offerings are important to the congregation, your pledge lets us plan more accurately for the ministry we can accomplish for the upcoming year.
HOW DO I PLEDGE?
You may pay weekly, monthly, quarterly, or yearly via cash, check, credit card or direct transfer from your bank. We will provide envelopes for your offerings if requested and payments are welcome by placing them in the plate on Sunday or mailing to the church. For online giving options (credit card, debit card or direct deposit from your bank) see the form on the Giving page of our website. You can select the "recurring" option to make these gifts regularly. You may also pay your pledge with a donation of stock or a withdrawal from your IRA as part of your Required Minimum Distributions (you should consult with your tax advisor about using your IRA). Many companies have matching funds for charitable donations that even apply to religious organizations. If your company has such a plan, please let us know. Please note that all pledges are confidentially recorded by our Financial Secretary.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I PLEDGE?
Determining the amount of your annual pledge is between you and God. However, as you make this important decision, reflecting on your vision of stewardship may be beneficial. Some ways we think about our giving include:
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• I give to return a portion of my blessings — a sense of gratitude
• I give to keep church ministries free to all — a sense of generosity
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Sometimes there are other reasons that factor into why and how much we give.
And these are okay, too:
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• I give because I am supposed to give — a sense of duty
• I give to pay my own way — a sense of fairness
WHAT IS PROPORTIONATE GIVING?
Cobleskill UMC is committed to proportional giving, with the goal of tithing (10%). If you are not pledging 10%, pledge a lower percentage and consider increasing your pledge each year. We ask that you prayerfully consider what level of giving is right for you and your family.
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EVERY PLEDGE, EVERY AMOUNT MATTERS
Where you start or whether you tithe on your annual or gross income is not nearly as important as simply making your first pledge. Every pledge make a difference, regardless of the amount.
WHAT IF I MAKE A PLEDGE BUT LATER FIND I CAN’T PAY IT IN FULL?
If you have financial difficulties or other unexpected event, simply notify Naomi Pickett our Financial Secretary, who confidentially maintains the pledge records.
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