Give

What is the tithe?
The tithe represents ten percent of our gross financial income. Why do we invest it in the ministry of the church? The tithe is based on a deep and profound Biblical truth: “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world and those who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Everything belongs to our creator: Our families, our homes, our jobs, our financial resources. The amazing thing is just how much God gives to us, including the skills and talents to earn an income. And that we are only asked to invest 10% of those resources directly into God’s favorite ministry, which is the church. The tithe belongs to God (Leviticus 27:30). Tithing is simply honoring the owner – not because the owner needs our money. God wants our hearts. As Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will be your heart also” (Matthew 6:21). Tithing isn’t so much a matter of money as a matter of the heart. It’s about a heart full of thanks, a joyful response to the amazing grace of God poured out on us in Christ. What God really loves is a cheerful giver! (2 Corinthians 9:7)

How do we make our tithes and offerings?
We say “tithes and offerings” because, from a Biblical point of view, the tithe is just the beginning of a life of generosity. We return the tithe to God through investing in the ministry of the church, and make offerings as well to ministries that have a place in our heart both inside and outside the church. So, every Sunday we invite one another to invest “God’s tithe and our offerings” into the ministry of the church. Most people invest either weekly or monthly. We also encourage the making of a financial pledge for the calendar year of 2013, which encourages faithful giving and helps church leaders build a realistic budget. You can find a pledge card in the Chapel or the church office. If you have any questions about tithing, pledging, or the church budget and the ministries it supports, please contact Co-Pastor Jeff Schulz at jschulz@firstpres.org or 206-624-0644.