Faithful Giving
“ … you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
— 2 Corinthians 9:7
During services, the offerings collected are our response to “that which God has first given us, ourselves, our time and our possessions.”
Gifts to the church – whether of money, talent or time – are a response to God’s love and central role in our lives. As members of Christ’s church on earth, we happily accept our responsibilities as stewards of the gifts we have received through grace.
Guests are invited to join in such offerings, which are an outward expression of faith and a demonstration of obedience and commitment to God.
What’s the worry?
Jesus knows our nature. He knows that we are prone to worry. Perhaps that is why he warned:
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In spite of these words of admonition and assurance, Christians still tend to worry. Sometimes, worry about the ability to provide for our families takes over our lives to such an extent that it guides our thoughts and actions. We put off giving to the Lord through our church – temporarily, we say – until we feel secure in our financial situations. Then, life, as you know, seems to throw one crisis after another. Often, that sense of financial security never comes.
As a church community, we worry about income. Will we meet our budget expectations? How much will spring break and weather affect contributions? Will we call another pastor? When?
We have the same worry when it comes to serving. We complain that we do not have enough time. We work long hours and have commitments to our families. How can we go to meetings or make meals for a family whose mom is sick?
Later, we tell God and ourselves. Later, when the college tuitions are paid and the kids are out of the house, we will have time and money. But then, after all that hard work, don’t we deserve to get away on a nice, long cruise?
Is it forgetfulness of God’s promises or lack of faith that keeps us stuck in this pattern of giving all for our physical and temporal lives? Take God at his word: Give generously; serve without reward; take time to help others; and trust our Lord.
Giving opportunities
All Saints funds its many ministries, which range from worship services within our building to Global Mission, through the generous offerings of members. In addition, All Saints provides support to the Evangelical Church in America and puts aside a portion of offerings as benevolence for the ministries of other Christian organizations.
Operating and Benevolence Giving
These funds are used for day-to-day operation of programs and facilities and compensation for staff. Twelve percent of monies received are designated for benevolence giving for support of ministries outside All Saints.
Each fall, members are asked for a prayerful response to our stewardship campaign, as the Congregational Council looks ahead to planning its annual operating budget. This year’s stewardship theme was "Let Your Light So Shine."
Special Gifts
Gifts may be designated for special purposes such as world hunger, disaster response or other needs perceived by the individual or the church. Please note such designations on the offering envelope or check to allow for proper recording.
Simply Giving
This program, offered at no cost through Thrivent Financial for Lutherans allows All Saints donors to transfer funds directly from their bank account to All Saints'. Details on and enrollment can be found here.
Currently, about 55 All Saints families transfer approximately $16,000 each month. These payments are made through a pre-authorized withdrawal from the contributor’s bank account. Donors determine the frequency of their automatic gift — weekly, semi-monthly or monthly.
It’s a win-win situation. Donors don’t need to play “catch-up” at year-end or worry about forgotten checkbooks or missed Sunday offerings. All Saints benefits because the program provides more predictable contributions and more efficient bookkeeping. And there is no reason to worry if financial situations change: Authorization to change amounts or terminate withdrawals can be done at any time by notifying the congregation’s Administrative Director or Bookkeeper.
Volunteer opportunities
Ministry extends far beyond the church walls, and All Saints members participate in outreach through participation in programs that affect our local community, our state and our world. In this way, we show God’s love as Jesus commanded.
Members also offer their time and talents through myriad activities closer to home. These opportunities include tasks such as welcoming guests, providing education and guaranteeing that the Sanctuary and Parish Hall are appropriately prepared for worship services.
