Why I Pledge to Trinity Church
Comments by Jeff Freeman
Trinity on the Green, New Haven, CT
On that day three summers ago, when Landa and I walked into Trinity for our first 7:45 service, we knew immediately that our search had ended. We had discovered our new church home. Every Trinity experience since has strengthened our initial impression. You are our church family. There are no strangers here; only friends we have yet to meet.
Why do the Freemans choose to pledge?
Because we love Trinity and want it to flourish!
- - Pledging sustains our community. Trinity's varied worship offerings, extensive music program, caring clergy, dedicated staff, beautiful sanctuary, renovated undercroft, many ministries, and passionately friendly and committed parishioners combine to create a thriving community. Sustaining this vibrant community requires significant support.
- - Pledging is a privilege . Because we so enjoy being part of this Trinity community, we are gladdened to join others in providing this support-by volunteering, by participating, by pledging and giving.
- - Pledging reduces anxiety. Imagine how uncertain you'd be operating a car that had no gas gauge. Our pledge-all pledges-and their fulfillment help the clergy, vestry, staff, and many volunteers anticipate how much financial fuel Trinity will have and how far the fuel will need to be stretched to keep us going.
- - Pledging is voluntary. We pledge because we want to, not because we have to. If God's love for us is infinite, it follows that God can love us no more if we do pledge, and no less if we don't. Of course, there is plenty in scripture to encourage our giving. The beauty of pledging is that it is not transactional-no If / Then conditions get in the way of deciding what's right.
- - Pledging is private. What we pledge and how and when we fulfill our commitment is a matter of conscience, a compact between ourselves and God. We make our promise and do our best to live up to it. Of course Sherrill and others have to know what we pledge and then track our payments, but no one intervenes to force our decision! It's entirely up to us.
- - Pledging is good medicine. Research shows correlations between altruism and well-being. We feel better-are healthier physically and spiritually-because we pledge and give, expecting nothing in return. For us, the act of pledging provides its own intrinsic reward.
Pledging is a powerful and tangible means through which we express our joy at being part of Trinity and demonstrate our understanding and appreciation of God's generosity and love.