Every year when we pledge, we get a box of envelopes. Some of you may check the spot on your pledge card that says that you don’t want envelopes, so you can skip reading this article if you wish. Be aware, if you are putting checks into the plate on Sunday without using an envelope they will all go into the GENERAL FUND unless you specifically direct them elsewhere by putting a note on the memo line. The same goes for cash donations except on special occasions such as the Bishops visit or when otherwise announced.

Now, one of the things I do when we make our pledge to Pohick is to go to our old box of envelopes and write down the amount of the new pledge on the inside of the lid. When I get the new box, I transfer that amount to the top of the new box. I tend to be forgetful, and this helps me remember what we have pledged.

The first envelope in the box is for an INITIAL OFFERING. This offering helps to cover the cost of printing and mailing the envelopes. The Church covers this expense initially from the Stewardship Budget so the money received for this offering goes back into the General Fund.

Most of the envelopes in the box are for GENERAL PROGRAMS AND EXPENSES. This is where the amount you put on your pledge card goes. The GENERAL FUND covers all the expenses of the day to day running of Pohick. This also includes the salaries of our personnel, Christian education, music, out reach, etc.

The envelopes marked BUILDING FUND are where you can place additional funds for the maintenance and upkeep of the physical buildings that make up Pohick Church. The money has also been used this past year to help fund the cost of a consultant and architect for development of a future Capital Campaign, which will finance new construction or renovation and additions to existing buildings.

The envelopes marked CLERGY DISCRETIONARY FUND provide funds that can be distributed at the discretion of the clergy. Each year at the Annual Meeting, both of our priests list in their reports to the congregation how much is in these fund, and how the funds have been dispersed during the year. The priest uses his or her discretion to give aid to people in need of emergency funds to help with food, utilities, or other necessities. This is an important aspect of our outreach to the community and parishioners.

The remaining envelopes are for special service offerings at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.