Stewardship & Giving

Jesus sat down and watched the crowd putting money into the Temple treasury. Many rich people offered large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth a penny. Jesus called His disciples and said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow as put in more than all the others, for they contributed out of their abundance; this widow, in her poverty, has put in all that she has." (Mark 12:41-44)

The poor widow doesn't give to fulfill an obligation or meet a concrete need. She doesn't give because she's pleased with how the money will be used. She doesn't give to be an upstanding member of the community. Rather, she senses a personal need to give sacrificially, in recognition that God is good and the Giver of all things. Our lives and belongings are blessed, multiplied, and enter eternity when we willingly offer them back to God.

Ways to Give

Cash or Check

  • Place in the tray on the candle stand or give to the parish office.
  • Make checks payable to "Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church" with "Stewardship" on the memo line, unless you are giving to another fund.

Tithe.ly (click here)

  • One-time donations or set up recurring payments.
  • Select the "Stewardship" fund, unless you are giving to another fund.
  • Incurs a processing fee, which you can choose to cover, or it will be deducted from the amount Holy Trinity receives.

Credit or Debit Card

  • Use the iPad at the candle stand to make a one time donation or give towards your stewardship pledge.
  • Incurs a processing fee, deducted from the amount Holy Trinity receives.

Through Your Bank

  • Bank Transfer: Click here for the authorization form. Return the completed form to the parish office or a Parish Council member.
  • Bill Pay: Your bank can automatically mail a check on a monthly basis. Contact your bank for more information.
  • Indicate "Stewardship" in the memo area if given the option, unless you are giving to another fund.
  • There is no processing fee for either option.

Areas You Can Support

  • Stewardship: This is for the general operation of Holy Trinity, covering all the fundamental needs of the parish. We ask that support for other funds and causes be in addition to your Stewardship pledge.
  • General Endowment: This fund is used to support special causes identified by the General Endowment Committee. These can be special internal needs within Holy Trinity, outreach and educational events such as speakers, as well as external charities.
  • Youth Endowment: This fund is used for special youth-related causes, such as events, charitable work, and scholarships.
  • Priest's St. Basil Benevolent Fund: This is the priest's discretionary fund to confidentially assist people who approach the church with a financial need.
  • Special Funds: Other funds are established for special purposes from time to time, such as the Facilities Renewal Fund and Iconography Fund. Speak with Fr. Joshua or a Parish Council member about other needs the parish may have.
  • Time and Talents: In addition to our gifts of treasure, there are many areas in which we can give of our time and talents. Speak with Fr. Joshua or a Parish Council member about time and talents you would like to like to use to serve the church, and they can connect you with related ministries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "member in good standing"?

Sometimes membership is understood as financial offerings in a given year, which is a gross distortion. We might describe a "member" as an individual seeking communion with Christ, beginning with Baptism/Chrismation and continuing throughout life. We are united to Christ in the sacraments, in worship, in daily ascetic discipline (prayer, fasting, almsgiving), in offering our whole self to God and to neighbor, down to our innermost thoughts. Naturally, part of our union with Christ is expressed concretely in how we give ourselves to our particular parish church.

Why should I give?

  • To help us remember that everything we have comes from God.
  • To express our gratitude and love to God in a concrete way.
  • To support the work of God through the life of the Church.
  • To fight against self-love in all its manifestations.
  • Because Christ gives us everything, including His very life. He steps down from royal dignity and joins us in the pain of fallen life. His self-emptying love reaches all the way to the Cross. Reflecting Christ's self-offering of boundless love is where ultimate meaning is found.

How much should I give?

According to the spirit of the poor widow's offering, we should give more than we can afford. God is understanding, though, and does not crush us all at once with the demands of the Gospel. He works with us where we are, and seeks our movement upwards. In the Old Testament, God's people were accustomed to giving a tithe: the first 10% of their earnings.

There is no minimum or "membership fee" in the Church; we give proportionally, as a matter of priority and sacrifice. Perhaps we can begin with offering 2-3% of our gross annual income. We begin with this and increase over time, according to our spiritual desire. If you have difficulty or questions, please feel free to contact Fr. Joshua to confidentially talk about your specific circumstances.

What if I can't fulfill my pledge?

Circumstances can change. If you aren't able to fulfill your pledge, please do not worry. The essence of your Stewardship is your love and commitment to Christ and His Church. We are blessed to have you.