2027
Pledge
Campaign
And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8, NRSV
Why Your Pledge Matters
Your pledge is one of the most important ways you help our church plan and carry out its ministry. When we know what our community intends to give in the coming year, we can budget responsibly—supporting worship, children’s and youth programs, pastoral care, outreach, facility needs, and the staff who serve among us. A pledge is not just about numbers; it’s a way of saying, “I’m committed to this community and to the work God is doing through us.” Together, our pledges give us the clarity and confidence to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us.
Pledging vs. Giving
Giving is the act of sharing your financial resources with the church—whether that happens weekly, monthly, or as a one-time gift.
Pledging is the commitment you make in advance to give a specific amount over the course of the year. Your pledge tells us what you intend to give so we can plan our ministry budget. The actual giving (fulfilling the pledge) happens later, as you contribute throughout 2027.
Many people give regularly and faithfully, and we are deeply grateful for that. However, regular giving by itself is not the same as a pledge. Without a pledge, we do not have a clear picture of expected income when we build the budget. Your pledge is the promise; your gifts throughout the year are how that promise is fulfilled.
Our pledge goal for the 2027 ministry budget is $373,000.
—
Our pledge goal for the 2027 ministry budget is $373,000. —
Interested in helping us maximize your gift?
Church of the Good Shepherd is grateful for the convenience and consistency that online giving provides. Automated giving helps sustain our ministries throughout the year and makes supporting the church easy and predictable for many parishioners. Like most organizations, we incur processing fees when donations are made electronically. These fees currently average approximately $300 each month.
If you would like to help reduce these costs and ensure more of your gift supports ministry, please consider one of the following options:
Use ACH bank transfer whenever possible. ACH transactions cost the church a 1.5% fee, compared to a 3% fee for credit cards, debit cards, and digital wallets.
Choose the "Cover the Processing Fee" option when making your online gift. This additional amount will be included as part of your charitable contribution.
Please submit your pledge either before or at our In-Gathering (aka Blessing of the Pledges) service on December 13th.
—
Please submit your pledge either before or at our In-Gathering (aka Blessing of the Pledges) service on December 13th. —
How to Submit Your Pledge
Please choose the option that works best for you:
ONLINE OPTION 1: Complete our secure online pledge form.
ONLINE OPTION 2: Send your pledge amount via email.
OFFLINE OPTION 1: Print the form, fill it out by hand, and either mail it to the church office or place it in the offering plate on Sunday.
OFFLINE OPTION 2: Use the pledge card in your pledge packet, fill it out by hand, and either mail it to the church office or place it in the offering plate on Sunday.
NOTE: Please submit your pledge either before or at our In-Gathering (aka Blessing of the Pledges) service on December 13th.
How to Fulfill Your Pledge
Once you’ve made your pledge, here are the ways by which you can fulfill your pledge:
Online via our Giving Portal — Set up one-time or recurring gifts (ACH preferred).
Donate Stocks — Complete this online form to transfer appreciated stock or securities.
Donate from an IRA — Instructions for making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from an IRA.
By Check — Make your check payable to “Good Shepherd” and write “Pledge” (or the specific fund, if applicable) on the memo line. You may mail your check to the church office or place it in the offering plate on Sunday.
By Cash — Place your cash in the offering plate on Sunday in an envelope marked with your name and “Pledge.” Please do not mail cash.
Why Make a Proportional Gift?
Recently retired Bishop of Olympia, the Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, stated that the tithe is only the beginning point. As Christians, we give one hundred percent of what we have in gratitude for God, who gave us everything there is. We’re all in.
When you make a proportional gift:
You set aside your first fruits, dedicating a portion of your wealth, works, and wisdom to God. This is a sacred act.
Your financial gift rises and falls with your income – it is right-sized to your household.
Giving back to God is a lifetime journey; setting a percentage
allows you to step up your giving over time.