Stewardship at SsAM

PLEDGING IN A TIME OF CHALLENGE: WE ARE STILL COUNTING ON YOU!

On behalf of the Vestry and staff of Saints Andrew and Matthew, thanks to the 110 families (including our new rector) who have pledged so far. For those of you that have yet to pledge, we still need your support, not only for the dollars pledged but also as a demonstration of your commitment to SsAM and to our exciting future. If you do not have a pledge card, or have questions about pledging, please call the church office at 656-6628. Thank you in advance for your pledge.

Why are annual pledges important?

Annual pledges support everything we do and are at SsAM. Our yearly budget is driven by the generosity of our parishioners through annual pledges. These pledges support all the operating costs of our ministry programs as well as our building and staff operations, and expenses such as heating, outreach grants, worship leaflets , and nursery care givers.

Why should I pledge when I regularly put money in the offering plate?

Loose funds collected each week do help to support the ongoing life of the parish. However, pledges are very important because they enable us to plan responsibly by creating a parish operating budget for the coming year.

How much should I give with an annual pledge?

We believe strongly that our standard of giving should reflect our standard of living. We ask each parishioner to consider making a pledge that is both responsible and significant based on his or her financial situation.

Proportional giving is based on the premise that the first fruits are given back to God in grateful response to what God has given us. It refers to a conscious effort to determine an appropriate level of giving. We ask each parishioner to consider making an annual pledge in proportion to income. It is the teaching of the Episcopal Church and the Biblical norm to give ten percent of one’s income.

How can I pay my annual pledge?

SsAM accepts cash (when included in a pledge envelope) and checks. You may also make a pledge payment of stock or other securities. In most cases, such a pledge payment may be considered a charitable deduction to avoid capital gains on the appreciation of the stock. Contributions may be easily made to SsAM by automatically debiting your credit card or bank account. Debits may be made as a single transaction or may be set up as a regular periodic debit. For details, call us at 656-6628.

Making a Donation

There are many ways to financially support the life and ministries of The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew

MAKE A PLEDGE

The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew depends upon the pledges of its members to support the many programs and outreach ministries of the parish. By making a pledge, you allow the church to move towards its vision and mission.

Use Automatic Debiting

Contributions may be easily made to SsAM by automatically debiting your credit card or bank account. Debits may be made as a single transaction or may be set up as a regular periodic debit. Please contact the church office at (302) 656-6628 for details or to set up a transaction.

United Way of Delaware

SsAM is now a United Way of Delaware Designation Write-in Agency. Donors wishing to designate their contributions to SsAM should “write-in” our name and full address, or use our code number 11593 on their United Way of Delaware Pledge Form in the Specific Care area. Please consider ear-marking your United Way of Delaware contributions to work for Saints Andrew and Matthew by selecting SsAM as your designated write-in agency. If you have questions, or would like more information, please contact the office.

Support a Ministry

If you would like to make a donation to support a specific ministry, or just because you like what we're doing, please contact the church office or drop a check in the offering basket during Sunday worship.

Remember SsAM in Your Will

Apostles in Mission (AIM)

Every 1st and 3rd Sundays the ushers pass baskets for a second collection, and we mention that this is an “AIM Sunday,” but perhaps not everyone knows what this means. This collection goes into a separate fund administered by the Community Advocacy Committee and provides funds for a number of needs. Often, the Rector’s Discretionary Fund calls upon the AIM Fund to help both parish members and individuals in the community with special and urgent financial problems. It has also provided funds in response to appeals from missionaries, from the People’s Settlement House to enable them to hold holiday dinners and from Limen House which provides transitional housing for those recovering from addiction. Much good work of mercy is done by this fund and you are encouraged to give generously.

United Thank Offering

Each Spring and Fall we collect funds for the United Thank Offering to further the work of the Episcopal Church. The mission of the UTO is to “expand the circle of thankful people”. Click here to learn more about this ministry.

Memorial Gifts

Please contact the Rector through the church office at (302) 656-6628 if you are interested in giving a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one. There are a variety of opportunities such as the purchase of a new Carillon, the Organ Restoration, Liturgical Vestments, Vessels and other Accoutrements, Sacred Art as well as gifts that would benefit our Sunday School, Choir and other ministries of the parish. Community Outreach programs such as Friendship House could also benefit from your memorial gift.

Cash Contributions

If you make cash contributions to SsAM and want to deduct those donations on your income tax, please put your donation in an envelope on which is written your name and address. Pledge envelopes can serve this purpose if you write your name and address on them. This way, SsAM can send you a contribution statement at year's end, a statement the IRS now requires if you want to deduct cash contributions.