We are profiling individuals and families at FUMC that are living out faithful stewardship in their lives through prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Below is a reflection from a member of the youth group. Ellen is a senior at University Laboratory School, who has learned that pledging is about more than just money.
When I think of pledging, the first thing that comes to mind is money. When I was little, my parents would always pledge money on my behalf, but as I have grown, they have included me increasingly in the process. As a year-round soccer player, I have never had a job, so I don't earn a lot of money, which can make monetary pledging difficult. I've always pledged around 20 dollars a year because it's an amount I know I can pay with my own money rather than that of my parents. When I earn extra money from odd jobs, I always make sure to take 10 percent of my earnings and give it to the church.
Over the years I have learned that pledging is about more than just money—it's also about time. Every year, I pledge to attend worship, Sunday school and youth on Sundays and Bible study on Wednesdays when soccer is not a conflict. It is easy to commit my time to these weekly events (even though Sunday morning can come quite early) because I love the people of First United Methodist and I genuinely want to be there. I also love discussing people's ideas of faith, God and Christianity at Sunday school and Bible study. Lastly and most importantly, I love my God, who has done so many amazing and wonderful things in my life, so it's easy to give back to Him with my time and money.