Tithing and Sacrificial Giving
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church is a tithing community of faith. What does that exactly mean?
This concept of tithing comes to us from Hebrew Scripture as far back as Abraham and Jacob in Genesis and has continued in Christian communities to present day. A tithe means a "tenth." In scripture a tenth of the first fruits was given from the household's wealth, harvest or income. In this faith community of Christ the Redeemer, for a very long time, families and individuals have been encourged to prayerfully discern what portion they can give to the Church. As a community from the total of our collection or offering a tenth or tithe is taken and that tithe is then given to local, national and global charities. The Tithing Committee carefully discerns each quarter where our money is to be distributed.
Tithing comes to us from scripture, and it has been deemed spiritully right and just for people of faith to give a portion of their wealth and income:
Hebrew Scripture: Genesis 14:19-20, 28:20-22, Deut. 14:22–24; 2 Chron. 31:5–6
New Testament: Matthew 20: 1-16a, Mark 12:41-43, Luke 11:42, 2 Corinthians 8-9.
The key to all of this is generosity. Jesus encouraged generosity in his parables and teachings and so did the wisdom in the Hebrew Scriptures. In Proverbs 3:9 it says, "Honor the LORD with your wealth, with first fruits of all your produce." How does this relate to us now?
What does it mean to give first fruits?
In ancient times people offered God the first (or finest) fruits of their labor – often produce or livestock – as a covenantal sign of faith. Most of us don’t farm or tend sheep nowadays, but we can still dedicate the first work of our hands to God by offering our first hour’s wage each week (or its equivalent).
Why do we give first fruits?
Think of the monetary gift we choose to offer each week as an apple. If we were to give God the gift of an apple, would we offer him one with a bite taken out of it? Would we offer one that’s half-eaten? Would we offer a mere apple core? Giving our first fruits is an outward sign of our love for God. When we give God our “finest,” it shows trust in His plan for us.
When do we give first fruits?
“Firsts” are always at the beginning. So, we give first fruits at the beginning of the month or week. Implied in this definition of “first” is the truth that there will always be a beginning to the month or week. We are called to give consistently, every month or every week. Also implied is the notion that by giving to God first, we are not giving of our excess (what’s left after the bites are taken out of the apple). Rather, we are giving God a gift that’s whole, given freely and out of trust.
How do I give first fruits?
So, giving first fruits means giving our finest consistently. A very effective way to do this is through ONLINE GIVING. Leaving what we commit to God to the last minute can become a whole apple one week, a half of an apple the next week, and no apple the week after that. ONLINE GIVING is consistent – the same discerned gift amount at the same time every month. You can give with a credit card or through your bank account.
Who gives first fruits?
As soon as we are employed and on our own, it is time to make our own covenant with God and give our first fruits. At different times in our lives we may face financial hardships or a bumper crop of apples. Through it all, we discern what our “finest” is and give accordingly. As we grow closer to God and see first hand the blessings he gives for our trust in him, we find other ways to give as well – from giving a percentage of work bonuses, inheritances or gifts to planned giving in our wills.
Serve as a Tithing Committee Member
Did You Know?
Christ the Redeemer has a Tithing Committee that meets quarterly to donate 10% of our monthly offertory collection to charitable organizations. If you are aware of, or have a special interest in a local or national charity that you would like to nominate for donation, we would like to hear from you. Often, parishioners personally know or receive requests from charitable organizations in need. Your input is valued and welcomed. Any donated monies are used to provide food, shelter and clothing. Funds will not be given for charitable events, including golf outings, recreations, athletic, political or fundraising events.
Tithing Members are:
1 year
Kate Schueren
Judy Majewski-Co Chair
David Potter-Chair
2 years
Terrie Wehrwein
Jennifer Brumbaugh
Judy Runk
3 years
Larry Alexander
Ronaele Bowman
Karen Pasquier
Staff
Paula Klozik
To view the complete criteria necessary for disbursement of funds, please click on TITHING CRITERIA below. Please note – for an organization to be considered and possibly receive a donation, the Christ the Redeemer tithing request form MUST be filled out (be sure to fill in the amount requested), and then return to the parish office.
Thank you for helping us to make a difference in our local and world community.
