Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
~Psalm 84:5–7
Your stewardship commitment allows St. Andrew to budget and plan for our bold vision for the coming year. In order to fund our ministry in 2021, our goal is to raise $2.25 Million from 700+ pledges.
Every pledge, regardless of size, helps St. Andrew grow from strength to strength as a vibrant faith community.
Whenever we find ourselves struggling with a particular problem, or trying to discern a way forward where there seems to be no clear path, or facing a crossroads moment when we must make a choice to go one way or the other, it often helps to remember that we’re not the first. We’re not the first to face this problem, or to make this decision, or to take this risk before us. There’s a good chance that someone has already been there before.
Learn More[expand title=”Q. What is the difference between the Capital Campaign that occurs every three years and the Annual Operating Campaign?” trigclass=”my_special_class3″]
A. The Beyond Capital Campaign sought three-year pledges to pay the mortgage on the church building as well as fund critical capital maintenance needs. Thanks to your generosity we plan to retire the mortgage on our building in June of 2021.
The Annual Operating Campaign is our annual campaign to cover operating expenses in 2020, including our staff salaries, day-to-day facility maintenance, ministry programming, outreach, worship, and more!
[/expand]
[expand title=”Q. With the new tax laws, I am considering combining years, thus prepaying my pledge. How would that work?” trigclass=”my_special_class3″]
A. When pledges are prepaid, the donor receives credit for the entire donation in the tax year in which the church receives the gift. Church Finance temporarily restricts those funds until the year the donor designated for their use.[/expand]
[expand title=”Q. How does a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) work? Why was my gift to the church not tax deductible?” trigclass=”my_special_class3″]
A. Those who have already reached the age of 70 ½ are allowed to make a QCD from an IRA. A QCD satisfies the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) that also begins at 70 ½. When a donor makes a direct donation (QCD) from an IRA to a qualified charity like the church, the donor doesn’t need to claim that amount as regular income. Since the funds were never taxed as income one cannot claim a tax deduction for the donation. The check must be made payable to the church to qualify as a QCD. Please consult your tax advisor for other details and limitations.
[/expand]
[expand title=”Q. What are the payment options for my pledge?” trigclass=”my_special_class3″]
A. Almost 40% of church donors use a form of automatic giving like bank drafts, electronic payments, or “text to give.” Many donors also simply write checks. Of course, cash works, but to receive an income tax credit for a charitable contribution, the donation must be identifiable as to its donor. A number of donors also transfer stock directly to the church. For details or questions, please contact finance.
[/expand]
[expand title=”Q. I already give electronically; do I need to do anything?” trigclass=”my_special_class3″]
A. Yes. First, please turn in a pledge card. If you are changing your pledge amount you will also need to go online and re-enter your information; please do this after your December contribution. If you only allowed payments for the current year, you will need to go online and enter your information for the next year.
[/expand]
[expand title=”Q. When should I pay my pledge?” trigclass=”my_special_class3″]
A. Many donors give periodically – weekly, twice a month, monthly or quarterly. Some simply give annually. Regular timely giving throughout the year is most helpful for operations.
[/expand]
[expand title=”Q. Do people actually tithe? What is a tithe?” trigclass=”my_special_class3″]
A. Yes, many people give a tithe or even more. Biblically, a tithe is 10% of annual income, but how that is calculated varies widely. A tithe is a form of proportional response for the many blessings God has given us.
[/expand]
[expand title=”Q. My pledge would be so small, I’m sure it wouldn’t make a difference.” trigclass=”my_special_class3″] A. Many pledges and gifts to the church are small. Added together they do make a difference. More important than the church budget, though, is the difference the act of giving makes in one’s relationship with God. [/expand]
[expand title=”Q. Can I enter my pledge on the website?” trigclass=”my_special_class3″] A. Yes, click here. You will be directed to enter your pledge. Your entry goes directly and privately to the finance office. There will also be a link for your Serve commitment. If you are interested in electronic giving, please see “What are the payment options?” question above. [/expand]