GIVING

“I will not offer to the Lord my God sacrifices that have cost me nothing.”

— 2 Samuel 24:24

We affirm the biblical view of tithing, which means giving 10% of a person’s income to the church, however there is great variety in how people regard that practice. We affirm with Scripture that people should give not out of compulsion but out of their love for God, because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Each year in the Fall members make a financial pledge to the church for the coming calendar year, which is used to establish the church budget. A statement of one’s giving is mailed quarterly. No one is contacted if he/she falls behind in that pledge, and only two people know a person’s pledge and giving history. We will gladly talk with you if you have questions about giving. We believe that financial accountability is of the utmost importance. All financial gifts offered during worship are counted twice by two separate members and registered with our bookkeeper. While the ministers are unaware of the giving amount of each family, bookkeeping records are always available for review by our Church Treasurer and the Chair of our Board of Trustees. All who contribute are given a Statement of Giving at the end of each quarter.