Beyond . . . Giving financially to Laurel Heights: Practical guidance for spiritual questions

This month we’ve been considering what it means to practice generosity as a dimension of our discipleship. On October 27th we’ll be invited to offer financial commitments—estimates of giving for 2020—to the mission and ministry of the church in the coming year. For that purpose, I’ve created an FAQ that I hope will be helpful.

How much should I give to Laurel Heights?
Begin to answer that question by enumerating some of the things you appreciate most about your church. Then ask, “How can I best express my gratitude to God and others for the gift of being a part of the life of this congregation?”

What defines a generous pledge?
The Bible makes many references to a “tithe,” or ten percent of one’s earnings as a giving standard, one many continue to find a useful goal or base line. Some work toward this mark, increasing their giving by a percentage or two over time; others work from it, gradually moving beyond a tithe in their giving practices.

How should I manage my personal finances in relation to my church giving?
Giving to Laurel Heights should be part of a sustainable, comprehensive household budget. Stretching beyond comfort or convenience to give to the church should not involve going into debt; it may instead mean forgoing certain other expenditures to make this commitment a priority.

What are the different ways I can make an offering or pledge?
The church provides several options for making financial contributions:
1)  Gifts of cash and checks can be placed in the offering plate on Sundays during worship, as well as mailed or hand-delivered to the church office.
2)  Online giving at lhumc.org/donate allows you to set up a secure automatic draft (or make a one-time gift) from a debit or credit card.
3)  Electronic funds transfers (EFT’s) allow the church to securely draft a monthly amount from a bank checking account.
4)  A text-to-give option in the weekly bulletin allows for secure online contributions to be made with a smart phone during worship.
5)  Transfer of stock, mutual funds, and other non-cash gifts are also options.

You can contact our bookkeeper, Louise Dudley, with further questions ([email protected] or 210-733-7156).

Laurel Heights has become a beautiful part of my faith journey, and many times I’ve heard you say the same. The sharing of our lives—time, talents, and financial resources—is the best way I know for us to express our love for God and appreciation for a faith community that has meant so very much to us and to so many. May God guide each of us in the coming days in what I hope will be a prayerful and joyful time of discernment and spiritual discovery.

Grace and peace.

 

Rev. Paul L. Escamilla, Senior Pastor