Why I Pledge to Trinity Church
Comments by Michele Schiraldi
Trinity on the Green, New Haven, CT
In 1992, Len and I had moved back to New Haven and began searching for a church community to join. We visited many churches and different denominations. Here at Trinity Episcopal we found smiling faces and an appealing liveliness. There was committed work going on in all areas of ministry, and a Eucharist celebration that welcomed all to the Lord's Table, and, of course, there was... Andy Fiddler. In time Trinity became a spiritual home for us. Len and I have been members of Trinity since 1993.
Although Len and I pledge as a family, I was asked to talk about why I pledge. This request made me think about pledging, what it means and why I pledge. The reasons why I pledge are not the same as why I may make memorial gifts or contribute to special needs during the year. Pledging is different.
Very early on, my mother was a role model for me by pledging faithfully every year to our home church in Brooklyn, NY. When asked why she pledged, she simply said the church needed it to keep going and without pledges our church wouldn't be there. Although I lacked the experience at that time to completely understand what she said, I came to appreciate the nuts and bolts experiences underlying her words. As a Property Manager and then owner of a small business, cash flow, budget, and revenue took on new meaning and were often accompanied by anxiety. Not possessing signed commitments meant cutting back, fewer resources, and reduced ability to function effectively. Our pledge is a freewill promise from Len and me that Trinity can rely on. Church Treasurers, Finance Committees and church leadership deserve that in order to keep Trinity going.
Our pledge says, "We are part of this community. This church and its work are important to us." As a personal goal, my pledge should be given with pure motives and an attitude of worship to God and service to the body of Christ. Paul's letter to the Corinthians reminds me that I need to give from the heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.