Giving Guide

2013 Giving Guide

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church

Why is giving important? The Bible has much to say about wisdom and finances, with 2,300 verses that tell us to be generous and good stewards of our resources. Jesus taught generosity and sacrifice. He demanded that his followers serve not wealth but God, and in the parable of the talents he taught that God will hold us each accountable for what we do with all our earthly possessions.

What is expected of me? The Bible teaches us to give a tithe, or the first 10 percent of what we earn, to God and the church’s work. For some, giving one tenth is a very difficult goal. For others, it is the starting point, and their giving far exceeds 10 percent. The important thing is that you start somewhere, that your giving be in proportion to your income, that your giving reflects an appropriate offering to God given your means, and that your offerings express both your desire to serve the Lord and your investment in God’s work. If you are not yet tithing, consider taking a step toward tithing this year. For example, if you now give 3 percent of your income, consider increasing your gift to 4 percent, and add 1 percent each year until you reach the tithing goal. Our prayer is that everyone will grow in his or her faith through giving financially to the ministries of the church and experience the joy and blessings that come from financial generosity.

“A tithe [tenth] of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the Lord; it is holy to the Lord.” —Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)

What if financial hardship prohibits me from making a commitment this year? Don’t let your inability to give at this time keep you from worship. Remember that God honors your faithfulness and that your acceptance at Mount Olivet is not based upon your capacity to give. We ask that everyone return a card even if the estimated gifts for next year are limited at this time. Also, be sure to let our pastoral staff know of your situation so that they can pray for and support you during any difficulty. Returning your estimate card blesses Mount Olivet regardless of the estimated amount. Your willingness to give or to try to give blesses God!

“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” —2 Corinthians 9:6

How do I give? All members plus visitors who return an estimate of giving card will receive weekly giving envelopes to return in worship or by mail. Or for more simplicity, Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is the easiest, most cost-effective giving option for both you and the church. With EFT, you can reinforce your commitment to give your tithes and offerings to God first, before anything else. One easy step each year guarantees that the church will receive your gifts on a regular basis, even if you are out of town or you forget one week. Complete the EFT information on the estimate of giving card and return it with a voided check. We also have an online giving service called e-check for one time or recurring, automatic withdrawals from your bank account. Click Stewardship and then Give on our website, www.mtolivet-umc.org, to use either method. For more information contact us at 703-527-3934, x 103.

Why do I need to turn in a new commitment card each year? First, the process of prayerfully asking God to guide your decision and then making a commitment each year to serve the Lord with your financial gifts is an act of worship, an expression of gratitude and praise to God. Second, on a more practical note, your estimate allows our church to budget and better plan for our ministries, key objectives, and mission outreach programs. Financial situations change from year to year, and if we are growing in our faith, our annual estimate should likewise reflect our ability to give.

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” —Luke 12:48 (NIV)