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Any regular, intentional program of giving a specific amount of money is, in a way, "proportional" giving. The Bible states a specific obligation to "tithe" - that is, to give back to God one-tenth of what we have received from God. One tenth! Ten percent! The Bible sets the bar very high; perhaps too high for most of us to think about at first.

We encourage you to begin your commitment to proportional giving with a small step: Promise to give two percent each year, or three percent. The average pledge to churches national is 2.6 percent of income, and maybe that's a good place to start.

The important thing is that the Biblical notion of proportionality is the ultimately fair way of giving. You pledge and give in proportion to what you have or make. There's no hidden standard, some sort of "dues" structure, though some people mistakenly imagine there is. A senior citizen living on a fixed, modest income who gives 5% may be a more faithful proportionate giver than someone who dashes off a check for $1,000, which may a small percentage of his/her income. Pledge amounts are relative not absolute. If this language sounds familiar perhaps you are remembering Jesus' lessons in the Gospels.

This year take a different approach to determining your stewardship pledge. Rather than repeating what you have done in past years, look at what you return to God through your pledge to St. Lukes ~ San Lucas and, using the chart below, find out what level or proportionality your gift represents. Then decide whether your gift is at the appropriate level for you and make your pledge accordingly.

Yearly Income	3%	5%	7%	10%
$25,000	$750	$1,250	$1,750	$2,500
$30,000	$900	$1,500	$2,100	$3,000
$40,000	$1,200	$2,000	$2,800	$4,000
$50,000	$1,500	$2,500	$3,500	$5,000
$60,000	$1,800	$3,000	$4,200	$6,000
$70,000	$2,100	$3,500	$4,900	$7,000
$80,000	$2,400	$4,000	$5,600	$8,000
$90,000	$2,700	$4,500	$6,300	$9,000
$100,000	$3,000	$5,000	$7,000	$10,000
$150,000	$4,500	$7,500	$10,500	$15,000