FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Why is the church always asking for money?
The church asks for contributions to support ministry for the same reasons that any non-profit – universities, museums, performing arts centers, social service organizations, and more – asks for your support. Accomplishing the work that the church is commissioned to do takes money, along with good planning, hard work, wise leadership, and clarity about unmet needs in the community.
And there are other reasons: (You may need to copy and paste links into your browser.)
- Generosity feels good. Scientific studies have proven that givers live longer, happier lives (https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/5_ways_giving_is_good_for_you, https://greatperformersacademy.com/interesting/4-science-backed-reasons-why-giving-will-make-you-happier)
- Growing your giving grows your faith (https://www.presbyterianfoundation.org/growing-in-faith-by-giving/)
- Vital churches build better communities (https://www.barna.com/research/do-churches-contribute-to-their-communities/)
What happens if I can’t meet my “estimate of giving”?
Your “estimate of giving” is just that, an estimate of what you believe your household can give to St. Brigit during the coming calendar year. And, as we all know, even with our best planning, life happens. You have a medical emergency. You get a raise, or an unexpected windfall. You have to move mid-year. Each of those unplanned-for events can trigger a change in your “estimate of giving” for the year. That’s what communities are for, to help smooth the rough patches and celebrate the happy events. If your estimate needs to change, please just contact St. Brigit’s office and revise it; over the phone, by email or text, or in a conversation with trusted clergy or staff.
Why do Christians make such a big deal about “the tithe”?
“The tithe”, 10 percent of income, is a Biblical standard of generosity. While many denominations set the tithe as the standard they proclaim, actual charitable giving in the United States is less than 2%. For those of us who haven’t reached that 10% level of giving, a more realistic goal is working to increase the proportion (percentage) of your household’s giving each year. As noted above, growing our giving tends to grow our faith in God, who is the first giver and who gives “infinitely more than we can ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).
How do I start?
First, ask God to guide you. Then look at the amount you gave to St. Brigit last year, and divide it by your household income. That’s the proportion of your income you gave to St. Brigit. Now consider growing last year’s percentage, just a bit, working from your estimate of what your 2024 income will likely be. Do the math, and see how it feels to imagine giving that much. When the amount makes your heart happy, that’s the right amount. Write that amount on your “estimate of giving” form. You can submit your form on or before Nov. 5, 2023 online (https://stbrigit.org/ffc-form/), by mail (110 Johnson St., Frederick, CO 80530), or by bringing it to St. Brigit Church. We will offer a blessing of gratitude and thanksgiving over our estimates of giving during the service on Nov. 5.