"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:14, 15)
Proportional Giving – gradually growing in generosity
Proportional Giving is offering to God in a committed and faithful manner a portion of what God has given us. In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul suggests that we give in gratitude for God’s blessings and to further God’s work in the world "according to our means" (v11). By giving a percentage of our income, and gradually increasing that percentage each year toward or even beyond the tithe, we are able to start a regular process of giving that grows our awareness of the abundance of God’s love deepens.
St. Simon & St. Jude's has no endowment and operates only through the gifts of members and friends who pledge their financial support for the parish’s annual operating budget. The pledges ensure that the clergy and staff are paid, the buildings and grounds are maintained, and the parish ministries and mission are funded. Every pledge matters, no matter how large or small. God rejoices in all gifts, just as he rejoices in all people.
Proportional Giving is giving back to God a measured portion of what God has given us in a committed and faithful manner. It means giving a percentage of our income, and increasing each year toward or beyond the tithe. Ultimately, this kind of integrated stewardship helps deepen and mature our faith as we recognize and accept our role in a creative relationship with God.
Although many believe that the Biblical guideline for giving is the tithe (i.e., 10 percent of one’s income), proportional giving is actually a fairer standard for giving. While a fixed 10 percent would most likely be negligible for someone with an income of $100,000, it could devastate a person with an income of only $10,000.
This is why Jesus had such high regard for the widow who contributed two small copper coins to the temple treasury; she gave from that which provided for her daily necessities ("all she had to live on," Luke 21:4), while the rich contributed out of their surplus. And while both may have given 10 percent, proportionately the widow put in more than all the others combined (Luke 21:3). Elsewhere, Jesus teaches that we are responsible in direct proportion to how God has blessed us: "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded" (Luke 12:48).