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Why Does the Church Talk About Money?
As recorded in the words of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) Jesus talked about money more than any other subject except for the “Kingdom of God.” This is because money occupies such a large role in our lives – now, just as it did millennia ago. Does it make us worried? Do we measure our self-worth by how much we have? Are we miserly? Are we unwise spendthrifts? Do we look for happiness from money? (See Matthew, Chapter 6 for Jesus’ views on these issues). Jesus said “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21. Our use of money needs to follow our love of God and our love of our fellow human beings. These are the true treasures.
What about Environmental Stewardship?
“The earth is the Lord’s and all the fullness thereof,” says Psalm 24:1. Stewardship includes care for all of God’s creation – its lands and waters, air, climate, oceans, animals, plants, the goodness of the place we live. Mount Olivet’s Environmental Stewardship Team leads Mount Olivet members in being better stewards in their households, in the community and global community, in Mount Olivet’s operations and ministries. Mount Olivet is a “Green Church” in the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church.
What is the Mount Olivet Budget?
The Mount Olivet Budget is adopted each year by the Church Council after receipt and consideration of recommendations from each of the ministry teams. The budget year runs from July to June of the following calendar year. The budget process is transparent and open and the meetings are open to any member. The current annual budget is approximately $1.3 million, including all receipts and expenditures. A copy of the budget may be obtained from the church office. A briefer budget summary is available on this website and is also sent to all members and regular contributors.
Where do Mount Olivet’s Funds Come From?
Nearly all of Mount Olivet’s funds come from regular contributions by members, friends, and visitors. Some additional funds come from rental of church facilities and parking, and some come from Mount Olivet’s Enduring Gifts Fund. The greatest part of the contributions is received from members and friends who submit an annual Giving Card. The Giving Card indicates an intention to contribute a specific amount each month or week to support the ministries and missions of the church. This also helps in planning for missions, ministries, and church operations for the year ahead.
How Do I Decide How Much to Give?
This is your decision. Here are some ways to think about it:
1. Prayer. Jesus prayed about every important decision. This decision is important; so begin with prayer.
2. Recognize that God’s gift to you is really your opportunity to use God’s gifts for God’s purposes. You’re a steward of what you have.
3. Generously. “Each person should give what they have decided in their heart to give, not begrudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7. It’s an opportunity, not a constraint.
4. Tithe. The ancient guideline for the Hebrew temple, followed in many Christian churches, is the tithe – an old fashioned word meaning 1/10th of one’s income. Deuteronomy 14:22. The tithe came from the first fruits of the field (and first-born of the animals); not what was left over. Many Christians, including people at Mount Olivet seek to tithe if they are able.
5. All you can. Jesus praised a poor widow who put two coins in the temple treasury. “This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty has put in everything she had.” Mark 12: 41-44. John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, said “gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can.”
6. Some Mount Olivet members have expressed their understanding of stewardship in this way: “My need to give is greater than God’s need to receive.” Because the greater your involvement, the more your life changes. Giving transforms the giver.
Are My Contributions Tax Deductible?
Contributions to Mount Olivet Church are deductible as permitted by federal law. You will receive a monthly statement of your giving from the Church for your records.
How do I submit a Giving Card?
You may request one at any time from the Church Administrator, fill one out electronically on this website, or print one out and bring it in or mail it in. Each autumn there is a Stewardship emphasis where cards are distributed and returned. Members joining the church also receive Giving Cards when they join.
These financial commitments are confidential, and maintained by the Church Administrator.
Can I amend my Giving Card?
Yes, you can amend at any time. Just notify the church administrator of the change.
What about Electronic Funds Transfer?
You can set up electronic funds transfer at any time, using a form available with the Giving Card. This offers many advantages:
1. There is no need to write checks
2. It is easy to keep track of where you are in your contributions, without having to account for being out of town or wondering whether you’ve forgotten a contribution or contributed twice.
3. You save paper and envelopes.
4. You can put a reusable card (available in the pew racks) into the offering plate when it is passed so you lose none of the participation.
What if I’m only going to be in the Mount Olivet area for awhile?
You can file a Giving Card at any time and change it at any time. But we’d like to be able to provide envelopes, a record of your giving, and to keep you connected with us.
What does “The Living Church” refer to?
The Living Church, with its tree and leaf logos, is a way of thinking about stewardship – the relationship between the member and the Church. The Church is like a living tree, and members are like the leaves of the tree. The tree is dead without the leaves that make its food and sustenance; and in turn, the leaves are connected by the tree to lifegiving water and nutrients. And together they produce the fruit that a living tree is supposed to produce – a blessing to all those around. This imagery is like that of the prophet Jeremiah: “Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17: 7-8. |
Your estimate of financial giving will remain confidential and is modifiable at any time by contacting Marilyn Traynham, Church Administrator at 
