There are lots of questions about tithing today, including whether it’s still relevant to New Testament believers, or whether we should just give as we feel able. The main point when it comes to your giving is that you do it as a “cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Some would say everything we have belongs to God, and that we are responsible for maintaining our church community (buildings, personnel, upkeep) separately, or over and above, gifts or what you might think of as tithing. We’ll call it an offering.

Whether you believe only in tithing, only in offerings, or a mixture of the two, another question you might ask is, do I need to give all of my offering to the support of the church, or can I stipulate where my offering should be used? If I want to support education in Haiti or the scholarship fund, is that over and above my offering and/or tithe?

If we understand that we are responsible for our church community, we can prayerfully determine an annual budget that seems an appropriate portion for your family to give for church support. We can then prayerfully decide on other amounts to give toward efforts that you want to support, and then we can give additional gifts throughout the year as our hearts lead, such as throwing some cash in the basket during a Wonderful Wednesday meal.

In terms of church financial planning (and yes, this is a responsibility of the church), Saint Peter provides an opportunity for members to consider and stipulate not only financial gifts but also gifts of time and talent. This occurs at the end of each year with a checklist called the Time – Talent – Treasure form. There you can commit to the ways in which you plan to give and areas in which you are interested in sharing your talents.

Several members give through tax-deferred 401k disbursements or Thrivent contributions. More information about these options is available from the Finance Secretary. Just submit the contact form and ask for a meeting.

The envelope box you receive each year has multiple options to give to other ministries. You can also write on any envelope to direct your gift to a specific fund or effort, and include a note in the memo field on your check.

Here are just a few areas you can give to at Saint Peter:

• Haiti fund for the education of two children
• Southport Oak Island Interfaith Church (SOIIFC) Food Pantry
• Moretz Scholarship
• Other scholarships, such as for Lutherock Summer Camp and various adult workshops during the year
• Debt Reduction (the Columbarium debt is the only one remaining)
• Winter Warmup Coat Collection
• Brunswick County Backpack Program
• Funeral Fund (for families who are unable to pay honorariums)

If you’re wondering about the best place to give additional gifts, scholarships are a worthy area that is not as well-funded as it once was, whereas we are blessed to have no real debt within the church. Again, you can discuss your thoughts and concerns about giving by contacting the church and requesting a meeting with the Financial Secretary.