What Does It Mean to Be a Christian Steward?
In Jesus’ time, the steward was the manager of the household. The steward was not the owner of the assets, but a responsible administrator of the owner’s property.
A starting place is the recognition that God has invited us to be responsible for our lives and resources. With God in our lives, we are better stewards in the world.
We are all stewards of some possessions and influence. The question is: “What kind of steward of our resources are we?
Learn more about our 2023 annual pledge drive:
Going With the Flow
These past years all our lives changed drastically with Covid, inflation, and the deluge of
human needs, backdropped by war. In spite of Covid, our church community has
responded in earnest by providing for well over a hundred struggling refugee families in
our area by providing housing and food – creating a safe space from the cold.
We are so thankful for the commitments you have made and the faithfulness of this
congregation. Even with all the changes of a new pastor, new music minister, and
organist, you have kept your pledged commitments and have supported your Sunday
morning worship with the gift of your presence. This has been one of the few UMC
congregations in our area to be growing in attendance and vitality steadily over the last
few months. What a dynamic church community!
This year reminds us that financial support, in the form of a pledge to the Operating
Budget of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church is vital to carry out the church’s work.
Whether we gather for worship inside our building or online, we continue to be the body
of Christ through our ministries, our witness, and our care for one another.
Your financial giving will make it possible for us to re-connect the church community
after Covid and let us support families in our area though direct relationships and re-
starting vital programs. Because of your generous and faithful gifts, our church can keep
doing what love requires of us by nurturing life-giving, joyful ministries both inside and
outside our church walls.
Making Your Pledge
Each year, the people of Walnut Creek United Methodist Church (WCUMC) are asked to make a stewardship pledge for the upcoming calendar year. Your pledge is a one-year financial commitment to support the ministry within our congregation, to the larger United Methodist Church, and to the world. A pledge made in connection with the current stewardship drive is to be paid by December 31, 2023. You can make your pledge by filling out our online pledge card.
What is an Appropriate Pledge Amount?
The amount of one’s stewardship pledge is a personal, spiritual decision. The biblical concept of tithing (contributing 10% of one’s income to the church and other worthy organizations) is a standard to prayerfully consider. Some may be able to equal or exceed the tithing level. Others will pledge at a lower level. All pledge contributions, regardless of the amount, are gratefully received as an expression of your commitment.
Giving Percentage Guideline
| Annual Income | 3% | 5% | 7% | 10% | 12% |
| $250,000 | $7,500 | $12,500 | $17,500 | $25,000 | $30,000 |
| $200,000 | $6,000 | $10,000 | $14,000 | $20,000 | $24,000 |
| $150,000 | $4,500 | $7,500 | $10,500 | $15,000 | $18,000 |
| $100,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 | $7,000 | $10,000 | $12,000 |
| $50,000 | $1,500 | $2,500 | $3,500 | $5,000 | $6,000 |
| $30,000 | $900 | $1,500 | $2,100 | $3,000 | $3,600 |
Why are Pledges Important?
Pledges are essential to WCUMC’s planning process. Each year, committees submit their goals and the estimated cost to achieve them. Your Finance Committee will take these estimates and start to build our budget. Once 2023 pledges are received, our Church Council will finalize the budget.
What is the Conference Tithe?
The Conference Tithe is our denomination giving to the United Methodist Church. It supports ministries that reach beyond our local church. For example, through our Conference tithe, we support summer camps and youth programs that affect hundreds of lives in the California-Nevada Conference and beyond. Our Conference Tithe also supports other programs like promoting health and clean water throughout the developing world.
We realize that the United Methodist Church is in flux with its recent decision to continue its discriminatory practices against our LGBTQIA+ siblings. Because we stand boldly with those whom our Church hurt by this disastrous decision, we have given our constituency the option of withholding a portion of their pledge linked to this discrimination and harm. On your pledge form, you will have an option to withhold this portion of your pledge/tithe
How Many Households Give?
For 2020, we received 96 pledges for a total of $346,476.
How are Pledge Donations Paid?
People fulfill their pledge in the manner that best meets their circumstances. One may give weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually via cash, checks, or automatic bank withdrawal. You can also donate online. Pledges may also be paid with securities. Should circumstances change, the pledge can be increased or decreased.
How are Pledges Submitted and What is the Time Frame?
First, you need to complete your online pledge card. Then upon receipt of your pledge, you will be notified by our Financial Secretary. During our worship service on November 20, 2022 we will consecrate those gifts given for 2023. Be Blessed! And thank you for supporting the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church!