Giving to St. Matthew’s

At St. Matthew’s, Stewardship season usually kicks off in September and runs through the fall. At this time, we ask for your help, praying that you will make a financial pledge in support of St. Matthew’s work and ministries next year. Making a pledge allows our clergy, staff, and lay leaders the best opportunity to plan 2025 with a strong estimate of the resources that will be available to do God’s work in our parish, Austin, and the world. Your pledge is important, no matter the amount.

Your giving commitment is used for things like: 

• The upkeep and operation of our buildings and grounds
• All church ministries
• Outreach
• Providing and supporting staff positions
• Diocesan contributions
• Hosting community groups

We have developed the following Frequently Asked Questions to help guide members.

• Why give? Because it’s good for our souls. The ancient church called almsgiving and fasting the wings of prayer. Practicing generosity and restraint gives clarity to our conversations with God. In addition, by letting the church know of your plan to give to St. Matthew’s ahead of time, we are able to plan our ministry utilizing those gifts. A gift of any size lets us know of your connection to St. Matthew’s.
• Are there any scriptures that talk about giving? Hebrews 13:15-16, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Psalm 50:14, Psalm 96:8, Ephesians 5:2, Romans 12:1, Matthew 25:23-24, 1 Chronicles 29:11
• What is the nature of my donation? Your donation is a gift – a love offering that springs from gratitude or calling. The Kingdom of God is a gift economy, so there is no fee for being a member, nor does the church charge for marrying, burying, baptizing, or healing. An Annual Gift is given freely without expectation of a service or item for you in return. We use those donations to strengthen the people of God to bring God’s way for the world ever closer.
• What are the important dates for the Annual Giving Campaign? The Annual Campaign begins now and runs through October 30. A statement of intent may be made after that date, but it is most helpful for the budget process to know what gifts are anticipated by October 30.
• Where does the money go? Once the campaign ends October 30th and anticipated donations are known, St. Matthew’s begins its budget process for the upcoming calendar year. The budget is the plan for funding church operations, including salaries for staff and clergy, building maintenance and utilities, budgets for established ministries like children and youth ministries, event costs, and sometimes new ministries. The budget is presented to the parish at Annual Meeting in January.
• What amount should I give? Give an amount that is meaningful to you, however you define that value. This is not the old biblical tithe of 10%, nor is it the $100/month to your favorite charity. Gifts range from $120/year to over $50,000 year. The average gift is $5,300/year.

• How do I make my statement of intent? You may do so online via our website, or by mail by sending in the enclosed card. If you prefer to present your card in person, you may do so by placing it in the offering plate during any Sunday service in September or October. In addition, on October 29th in particular, there will be an opportunity during the 10:30 Sanctuary service to lay your card on the altar as we have done in previous years.
• Must I give my entire Annual Gift this fall? No. During the Annual Giving campaign, the church asks for you to communicate your intention to give a gift in 2024 and the intended amount. Payments would occur in 2024.
• How often must I make a payment on my gift? That is up to you. You may pay in installments at intervals you choose (monthly, quarterly, etc.).
• Is the amount of my donation confidential? Yes. Only the business manager and rector know the details of your giving. Names of donors may be published, but any donor may opt-out or be listed as anonymous. Amounts of donations are never published in connection with a donor’s name.
• What happens if my financial situation changes during the year? You may contact the business manager at any time to adjust or suspend your gift. St. Matt’s understands that circumstances can change.
• What happened to the Pledge Drive? The Annual Giving campaign is the new name for the Pledge Drive. Since pledging is stating an intention to give an annual gift, we’ve changed the name to Annual Giving to be clearer, especially for those who have no history with the technical term pledging.