Giving From the Heart
Questions and Answers about Woodside’s Prosperity Program
 Why
do we have an Annual Pledge Program?
Woodside Church is a dynamic, powerful, viable, living community. Part of being a powerful community is providing a conscious giving program for our members. Conscious giving follows the principles
of the Science of Mind and Spirit by providing each of us a channel to invest in making a positive change in ourselves and our world.
How does it work?
Each member and friend of Woodside will receive a letter that will include a Pledge Form. You will be asked to prayerfully and thoughtfully make a specific dollar pledge to be given during
the following year. You may give as an individual or a family on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. The Pledge Form may be returned to Woodside by mail or left in the Sunday offering
or church office. Please return your form by March 5, so that we can announce the pledge totals at our general meeting on March 12.
Does the money committed in this program pay for all the expenses in our approved budget?
The intent of this program is to cover most of the expected expenses. Generally speaking, the goal of the program is to raise approximately 80% of the final approved revenue budget. The balance
of the money needed to operate Woodside comes from classes, workshops, and non-pledged gifts. Most importantly, our efforts allow the leadership of Woodside to accurately forecast the income
which enables us to make better financial decisions and to be better stewards.
If my circumstances change during the year, can I change my pledge?
Yes. No one will be calling you about the status of your pledge. Once a quarter you will receive a statement of your giving. You may increase or decrease your pledge at any time. This program
is not designed to be a bill you owe, but rather a gift you give that transforms your life.
What if I don’t think I can pledge right now?
This is clearly an individual choice and we will support any decision you need to make. However, we encourage you to thoughtfully consider what making a pledge will mean for you. Ernest Holmes,
Founder of Science of Mind, reminds us that what we can see in our mind becomes our reality. Simply stated, if we see ourselves with limited resources then we are creating our limitations.
Think about committing yourself to a goal and trusting the law of prosperity. The world is full of individuals who have trusted God to provide based on their willingness to give. Do you have
anything to lose?
I hear people talk of tithing.
What is it?
Tithing is established in the Old Testament of the Bible. It was a law where individuals were expected to give one-tenth of their harvest back to God. It was an expectation. However, Jesus
never focused on the expectation or law, but what was in one’s heart. He stressed that giving is an avenue for people to grow and experience greater spirituality. For example, we all
know that when we give love we get it back; we demonstrate kindness and we get kindness in return; and when we show understanding, we receive understanding. This principle is also true with
our financial resources. The more we give, the more we receive. Tithing is a spiritual practice where we give back to our Source. Individuals who tithe give ten percent of their income to
their church or spiritual community. When you ask someone who tithes why they do it, you will always hear about the abundance tithing creates in their lives; abundance in love, friends, careers,
peace, and financial resources. Tithing is about Faith—-the knowingness that God will meet your every expectation.
For with the same measure that you give, it will be given to you.
Luke 6:38
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