Abundance, Gratitude, Generosity
STEWARDSHIP 2026
Stewardship Statement of Trinity Episcopal Church
At the heart of our Trinity Stewardship Framework lies a tapestry woven from abundance, gratitude, and generosity—a living testament to the spirit that animates our community.
Empowered by God’s grace, we acknowledge the abundance that fills our lives and the remarkable gift of our legacy fund.
Gratitude is our response to this abundance. We remember, with clarity and affection, the reasons we chose Trinity—be it the enrichment classes that challenge our minds, the liturgy and music that lift our spirits, the sermons and incense that deepen our worship, the peace we exchange with one another, the outreach and justice ministries that transform lives and our city, or the cherished seasonal traditions that mark the passage of time. Each of these blessings is magnified by the presence of those around us, drawing us closer together as a family of faith.
Generosity is putting our gratitude into action, with both joy and responsibility. We are invited to share generously, knowing that with a one to one match, one dollar for every dollar of an increased pledge and new pledges will be matched up to $200,000. This is the year to multiply the good we can do together—a chance to recommit to ourselves to sustaining the work of this Church and its missions.
It is this profound interconnectedness of people, programs, and mission that calls us to leadership in stewardship. We recognize that the gifts we celebrate must be nurtured and sustained—not only for ourselves, but for those who come after us. Our leadership in giving is an opportunity to support and extend the vitality of these many blessings within our historic limestone walls.
Clearly stewardship is not a season apart, but an enduring expression of our gratitude for God’s gifts and our hope for Trinity’s future. As we look ahead—welcoming a new rector and navigating a time of exciting transition—we are called to ensure our church’s financial health. We must come together, strengthening our foundation so that Trinity Episcopal Church remains a beacon for generations yet to come.
HOW TO PLEDGE
Snail mail: Pledge cards were mailed to Trinity households in mid-October. Simply fill out the card and return it in the prepaid envelope provided.
During church: Bring your completed card to the Ingathering Service at the end of our pledge campaign on Sunday, November 24, or drop it in the offering plate during any Sunday service.
Online: Click here to skip the paper process and pledge online
If you are not able to make your pledge during the campaign, contact the church office for assistance at any time: 317-926-1346. Office hours are 9am-4pm Monday through Friday.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Pledge?
A pledge is your commitment of the amount of money you will give to Trinity during 2025, usually in regular installments. It is your way of affirming your membership at Trinity and your expression of gratitude to God for all that has been given to you.
Why is My Pledge Important?
Pledging is a vital way to participate in the work of the Body of Christ here at Trinity. Through your generosity Trinity is able to support not only the ministries to which God has called us, but also the work of our campus and outreach partners and our Episcopal diocese. Nothing that happens here would be possible without your generous financial support. We do not receive financial support from the diocese or the national Episcopal Church. Moreover, the spiritual work of determining one’s pledge is an important part of our living into our faith in every aspect of our lives.
Trinity Has an Endowment, Right? So, Why Should I Give?
Trinity is blessed with invested resources in a Legacy Fund which allows us to do far more ministry than a parish of our size would ordinarily be able to accomplish. Your pledge is maximized in its impact because of the generous legacy of those who have gone before us and have invested In Trinity’s future. Trinity consistently strives to grow our pledged income so that we may manage our investments responsibly and reduce our Legacy Fund draw to a consistent, sustainable level. In so doing, we will allow generations after us to live into their own calls to ministry at Trinity in perpetuity.
The most important reason to give, however, is this: giving of one’s abundance is a spiritual act, driven by faithful discernment and the call to be a contributor to one’s faith community—to build the Body of Christ with our time, our talent and our treasure.
I Give Money in the Plate Each Week. Isn’t That Enough?
We are grateful for the generosity of all who donate during the weekly offertory. It is a wonderful way for visitors to show their support for our beautiful church. But, as Members of Trinity, we are called to make an annual pledge, and it’s a powerful affirmation of our gratitude to God and our support of this wonderful church community.
Pledging also enables us to prepare our annual operating budget, as it gives us a good picture of what our finances will be for the year. With your pledge commitment, Trinity is able to plan its efforts to help change the world.
What Should I Consider when Pledging?
This is a personal decision, to be made between you, other members of your household, and God. It’s one we invite you to discern prayerfully. What does Trinity mean to you? How generous can you be? What changes could you make to your own budget to support Trinity and its ministries? What are you prepared to give back to God and God’s people in gratitude for all that has been given to you?
What is Proportional Giving?
Proportional Giving is the act of intentionally designating a portion of your annual income as your pledge to Trinity. The biblical standard of a tithe is 10%, and that practice continues to be affirmed by the Episcopal Church.
Many people set a different percentage, with the goal of increasing that amount a percentage point or two each year. Regardless of the percentage, the key aspect of Proportional Giving is that it is intentional–you analyze your income and determine the percentage you will give to the work of the Church.
This chart shows annual pledge amounts at different income levels and giving percentages. You are invited to use this information as a tool for determining an appropriate level of giving in gratitude for all that God has given you.
My Income Varies. How Do I Calculate How Much to Pledge?
Your pledge can be your promise of the minimum amount you will commit to Trinity. If your income increases, you are welcome to increase your pledge. Please do not let a variable income prevent you from making a pledge.
What Payment Methods Does Trinity Accept?
We welcome cash, checks, credit cards ( VISA, Mastercard, American Express and Discovery) or gifts of appreciated stock. Many parishioners use their banks’ online bill pay service, which sends us a bank draft each month. This can be set up in Realm or by calling Molly Ellsworth at Trinity (317-926-1346). If you want to use automatic withdrawal from a bank account, please let us know, as we need your permission each year to set up this process.
Many givers direct their philanthropic dollars in ways that are also financially advantageous to them. To learn more about strategies to optimize financial benefits of giving, click HERE.
What if I make a pledge but later find I can’t pay it in full?
Parishioners raise and lower their pledge all the time. A pledge is an estimate to help church budgeting; it is not a legal or moral obligation. Please don’t let your uncertainty prevent you from making a pledge. If you have financial difficulties or other unexpected events, simply notify the clergy or finance office to adjust your pledge confidentially. Also, If you’re blessed with unexpected extra income, you’re always welcome to increase your pledge as well!
Is my pledge confidential?
Trinity keeps pledges strictly confidential. The Director of Operations and the Rector have sole access to donor records.
