How is the church supported financially?
The church has no endowment.  We rely solely on pledges, plate offerings and fund raising to fund the work of Christ through Good Shepherd

How are contributions used?
All of the monies given to the church are used to support Christ’s work through Good Shepherd Church. Our work as a church is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We are to tell others how much God loves God’s people and how we are called to respond to God’s love through service to others. Therefore, all of money given to the church helps in this work by paying for our staff, office supplies, educational materials, and our physical plant needs like heat and lights which provide space for worship, education, and care of the homeless.
Each year, we also, budget a percentage of our overall budget to be given away to assist others who are in need in the local community and around the world. This amount is increasing by 1% each year until Church of the Good Shepherd is tithing 10%; in other words until we are giving away 10% of all income in support of Christ’s work in the world.

What is stewardship?
In the book of Genesis, God entrusts humans to care for the earth. We are invited to be stewards or caretakers in all parts of our lives by caring for our environment, addressing the needs of the poor and by giving freely of our money to support the work of Christ. 
Our faith tells us that all that we have is a gift from God and so when we give of our money, we are giving back to God.

How do I give to the Church?
You may just give a donation to the church by mailing it in. You may make a donation by putting a check or cash into the offering plate on Sunday or you may make a commitment to give a certain amount within one year. This is called a pledge.

What is pledging?
Pledging is making a financial commitment to the church. You may make a one time pledge (paid all at once) or a monthly or weekly commitment to give a specific amount. As we create our church budget for the coming year, we add up all the pledges and consider that this is the income we will have to do Christ’s work through the church.

What is a pledge card and how do I get one?
A pledge card is the document on which you record your pledge information for the Treasurer's files. It asks for your name and address, the amount you would like to give, and how you will give (ie weekly, monthly, yearly). If you would like to get a pledge card in order to make a pledge, please contact our office and a pledge card will be mailed to you. After we receive your pledge, we will send you pledge envelopes in which to enclose the money.

Why do I need pledge envelopes?
Dated pledge envelopes have a unique number that is assigned to your pledge. This helps our Assistant Treasurer keep accurate records and ensures your ability to receive tax credit.

What is tithing?
Tithing is giving 10% of your income to God in thanksgiving, understanding that all of our life and all that we have is a gift from God. By giving a significant amount we invest our lives in Christ. The Episcopal Church and Good Shepherd support the Biblical imperative to tithe.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be, also.” 
Matthew 6:21

How do I change my pledge?
You can change your pledge at any time. We understand that families sometimes encounter financial changes like the loss of employment. If you wish to change the amount of your pledge, contact the office for a pledge card, make the changes and send it back. Please indicate on the card that you are changing your existing pledge.

Are we supported by the diocese or the national church?
Actually it is the other way around. We support the mission of the diocese with a yearly assessment which we pay to them. From the contributions of all of the parishes in the diocese, the diocese pays an assessment to support the work of the national church, ECUSA. 
However, over the past three years we have received three grants from the Diocese of Western Massachusetts to support our work in the world. And the homeless project which we sponsor, Monachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network, Day Center has received a grant from the national church from the United Thank Offering. This means that our money like God’s grace is given out and given back and given out over and over, again.