Question 1

WHAT IS THE ANNUAL APPEAL?

Accepted Answer

The Annual Appeal is the fundraising campaign that supports the mission and yearly programs of the parish. The effort is placed in the larger context of Christian stewardship, which acknowledges that all we have is a gift from God, and that we bear responsibility for giving for the spread of God’s kingdom.

We appeal to parishioners to prayerfully discern how they will support the work and mission of Christ Church during the last quarter of the year because knowing the commitment and the ability of the congregation helps the Finance Committee develop a balanced budget for the following year.

Question 2

DO I NEED TO PLEDGE? CAN’T I JUST PUT MONEY IN THE COLLECTION PLATE?

Accepted Answer

Securing pledge commitments from parishioners allows the Finance Committee to prepare a balanced budget to fund the needs and desired programs for the coming year.

Question 3

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WAYS TO MAKE A DONATION?

Accepted Answer

*You can set up a recurring donation, made automatically as often as you choose—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or quarterly.

*You can make a one-time annual donation

*You can pledge an annual amount and choose when and how to make payment.

Donations may be made by credit card, check, PayPal, through a Donor Advised Fund, or through a transfer of securities.

Question 4

I’M CONFUSED ABOUT THE TIMING. WHY IS THIS CALLED THE 2026 CAMPAIGN?

Accepted Answer

In the last quarter of each year, we appeal to parishioners for the upcoming year. Thus, in November 2025, we launched the 2026 annual stewardship campaign, Tell Out My Soul. Knowing the giving plans of our members in advance helps us best plan for the year to come.

Question 5

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FULFILL MY PLEDGE? WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?

Accepted Answer

The church’s fiscal year is the calendar year, so we seek to have all pledge payments received by December 31. In addition to placing a check in the collection basket or the mail, you may pay online using a credit card, via PayPal, through a Donor Advised Fund, or stock gift. If you are age 70-1/2 or older, direct donation from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is an attractive option, as the distribution is not treated as taxable income.

Question 6

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE GIVE? HOW MANY PEOPLE GIVE ANNUALLY?

Accepted Answer

Giving is very personal. Most give what they can to support God’s work in the world. Last year, we had 75 families pledging. We would like to increase this participation level to 90 families this year.

Frequently asked questions