Pledging and Giving FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions about Pledging, Giving and Serving at the ECC
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – I Thessalonians 5:16-18
Now you are the body of Christ, and individually members of it. – I Corinthians 12:27
Thank you for spending a little time with this information, and for prayerfully considering a financial commitment to Church of the Cross for 2023. We are grateful for one another’s faithfulness!
Below are some responses to questions people often have about pledging, giving, and serving at the ECC. If you have further questions, please feel free to be in touch at 512-695-2803 or [email protected].
What is a pledge?
Why pledge?
Who sees my pledge?
How can I give?
How is my giving recorded?
Can I get giving envelopes?
Can I give without pledging?
How much should one pledge?
The amount we pledge is between us, God, and our households; and it will be different for each one of us. What we ask of one another is simply faithfulness in sharing a portion of what God has given us. And the place we begin is gratitude, in thankfulness for what God is doing in our lives. As the mystic Meister Eckhart said, "If the only prayer we said in our whole life was ‘thank you,’ that would suffice."
When it comes to discerning the specific amount of our pledge, we first go to God with the question; and then, we talk about it within our households. As always, God will guide us in this decision, and will not lead us astray. And we, the Church of the Cross, celebrate every offering.
If one is looking for more tangible guidance, consider this: Faithful sharing a portion of what God has given us often involves:
- Intentionality: We have prayerfully and thoughtfully considered how we are called to support our common life, and make this offering with intention.
- Trust: We’ve stretched a little bit; we’ve offered an amount that invites us to trust God just a bit more with our material well-being.
- Joy: We give what we give joyfully, for giving is a grace and blessing and joy. Giving is intended to lift us up, and is something to celebrate.
So we consider prayerfully: What level of giving invites me to pay attention, stretch and trust God a little more, and is such that I can give with a joyful, cheerful, and grateful heart? The answer will look different for each of us.
Are there other ways to give besides giving money?
Yes! There are lots of ways to serve in our common life. One can help with Sunday worship, and in prayer, and in acts of service. We also are grateful for those who share their gifts of administration, financial planning, and technology. Just let us know on the pledge card how you would like to serve!
Can I give online or setup automatic giving?
Thank you!
Thank you for your faithful and prayerful consideration of your financial commitment to Church of the Cross in 2023. We are grateful to one another for every offering!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all evermore.
II Corinthians 13:14
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and grant you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13