Questions about the Stewardship of Treasure

Am I required to tithe as a member of the parish?
A stewardship way of life is always an invitation. To live a stewardship way of life is the offering of our time, talent and treasure to God. We are not asking people to simply tithe their income, but to live a stewardship way of life.

Why 10 percent?
The 10% is rooted in the biblical tradition of the offering of the first fruits of the harvest. “As Christian Stewards, we receive God’s gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.” (To Be a Christian Steward: U.S. Bishop’s Pastoral Letter) 

Explain the 10% and 8% on the guide.
Tithing is to offer 10 percent to God. The model that we are inviting people to consider is that 8% would be giving to the St. Timothy Church and 2% would be given to other charitable organizations.

What is different about the use of envelopes for our stewardship of treasure?
You have a choice in the way that you receive envelopes. If you use envelopes on a monthly basis, that is what we will send you. If you would like to have your offering taken directly from your checking account or credit card, we will make that available. The weekly envelope system is based on a way that people paid bills. You can use that system or any of the choices we have. (click here for Ways to Give).

What about second collections?
We are emphasizing in our stewardship of treasure that one give to the mission of the Church. What is included in that mission is serving the needs of the poor, run the administration of the parish, care for the upkeep of our buildings, and fund the many ministries of the parish. We will no longer have second collections. We will support the needy from a parish tithing. We will give a percentage of our income to the second collections that we have supported in the past. We will also make a new effort at informing people on where the offering is going and the work of those agencies and organizations.

What about debt reduction?
The “Continue to Grow” envelopes will also be eliminated. Those who have unfulfilled pledges, as well as those, who have not pledged, but are currently contributing to this fund, are asked to include this amount in their regular contributions. In addition to no second collections, there will be not be any additional pledge drives. We are asking all parishioners, especially those who have not contributed to this fund, to eliminate our debts through increased regular giving. We need $16,000 a month above operating capital to eliminate our current debts. Further we are currently spending $2,000 a month in interest fees, which is money that will be available for other parish services once the debt is eliminated. 

What about the mailings that I receive from the diocese?
You will still receive those mailings and we ask that you give with those important drives that help fund the ministries of the Church in the United States and around the world. We will not have a second collection on those weekends, but we will still contribute to those drives.

What about the Diocesan/Parish Annual Appeal?
The drive for the diocesan annual appeal will remain the same. You will receive a direct mailing and be asked to send in the envelope to the diocese or drop it in the collection basket. 

What about Children’s envelopes? 
We will offer envelopes to children. It is important that children understand that they have received gifts that they return in faith to God. All children will receive envelopes.

Are we doing away with fundraisers in the parish?
We will continue to have an Oktoberfest, Harvest Hoedown and dinner dance. If there is a fee for the many other activities of the parish (Seasonal CD’s, cultural series, summer activities, etc), it is to only cover cost.