The annual budget for St. John the Evangelist comes almost entirely from the pledge gifts from our parishioners.  According to the Canons of the Episcopal Church, members in good standing are those who "are known to the treasurer," meaning that they have contributed to the financial health of the Parish.  At St. John's we encourage members to contribute to our budget by "Pledging".  The pledge is based on the biblical concept of the tithe, however, without the legalistic connotations that have come to be connected with that word.  We acknowledge that everything we have, our resources, our health, our very life, are all gifts from God and that we are merely stewards of God's creation.  In this sense, our giving is an act of worship as we return to God a portion of what we have received.  We encourage each member of St. John's to make a goal of pledging 10%, this is the biblical tithe.  But we are also aware that this is a significant request.  Please prayerfully consider what you are able to pledge this year, and what God might be challenging you to give.  If possible, would you consider giving just 1% more than last year?