First, it contributes to our spiritual formation. Every time we make this financial contribution, we remember God creates us, blesses us and cares for us. Returning 10% of God's abundance reminds us of the Divine covenant promise expressed in a variety of ways throughout the Bible, but expressed most intimately in the words of Jesus when he said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"

Second, the tithe provides the financial resources necessary to support our church. Your yearly pledge compensates the priests and the staff of St. Margaret, maintains our buildings, provides worship materials and resources for Christian education, and meets other daily church expenditures.

Finally, the tithe enables St. Margaret to provide for the needy.

in 1982, the General Convention adopted a resolution stating that "the tithe is the minimum standard of giving for Episcopalians." It was left to individuals to determine for themselves whether the tithe was to be computed before or after tax.

While there's generally little confusion as to the purpose or need for the tithe, most churches report very low levels of compliance with this discipline. We all have our own reasons for why we give, or why we don't, but perhaps we should look again at our motives. 

Setting aside the tithe, or even a smaller percentage to begin with, is an eternal and transcendental acknowledgment that the world is bigger than we are. It is demonstrating to the universe that we walk by faith, and that we humbly accept the blessings we have been given and the small sacrifices we must make to honor God with a portion of what He has given us.

Instead of a painful parting with what we treasure most, the tithe should be a bold proclamation that we have already been given more than we could ask or imagine. It also can be a shout for joy that our eternity will be spent in unimaginable splendor.