Each fall, every member of the congregation is asked to make a financial commitment to the ongoing ministries of Grace. Collectively, our pledged support provides about 89% of our annual budget.
Some Questions & Answers
- What is a pledge? It is a thoughtful and reflective intention that documents each person and family’s financial commitment to support our remarkable ministries in the year ahead.
- Why not simply give as I can through the collection plate? Our pledges provide the Vestry with an estimate of expected income essential to the preparation of our annual budget and helps us responsibly plan for the coming year.
- Doesn’t Grace receive support from the Episcopal Diocese? The Diocese of Texas expects every church to be financially self sufficient. Every church in the Diocese contributes a portion of their resources to the Diocese to support its ministry throughout the diocese. More importantly the offering of pledges by members provides witness to our individual and collective commitment to God’s work in the world through Grace’s mission and ministries.
- How much should I pledge? The Episcopal Church has endorsed the Biblical tithe of 10% of one’s income as the goal for financial giving to the church. We urge everyone to aspire to reach this goal and to make Grace Church your primary philanthropic priority. Regardless of the amount we pledge individually, it should be given as “first-fruits.” i.e. it should ideally be paid before our other financial commitments – God should never get our financial leftovers.
- How can I pay my pledge? There are several convenient ways to honor your pledge:
- Make regular payments by check using the envelopes provided to all who request them.
- Use your bank’s online bill paying system and set up regular weekly, monthly or other periodic payments directly to the church.
- Make a secure electronic payment to Grace online. (click here to access form)
- Use appreciated stocks or IRA payouts to pay your pledge. (If you are 70 ½ years of age, amounts paid from your IRA reduce the amount of your otherwise required minimum distribution and therefore your income for tax purposes).
- Click here to access our online pledge form.
- What if my situation changes and I cannot fulfill my pledge? We understand that life’s circumstances do change, often unexpectedly. A pledge is not a legally binding document, but an intention. In this case, please alert the Church Office at 409-762-9676 so that our records can be amended as needed.
- If you have more questions or want more information: please contact the Church Office by either filling out our Send us a Request form (click here to access form) or calling the office at 409-762-9676.