The offering envelopes are one way to remind our members to consider giving some of their treasure back to God. Our concern is for them to develop the habit of regular giving. The church has always considered 10% of income—known as tithing—as a goal for regular support of Christ’s mission. However we know that family circumstances can make this a difficult, or even impossible goal. Whatever the amount, we encourage a discipline of regular giving.

Stewardship and youth.

Catechism students (grades 6 to 9) receive their offering envelopes at the time of their confirmation. We urge parents or grandparents of Zion young persons to encourage your kids to use their offering envelopes on a regular basis! We think most young folks could afford the equivalent of the price of a can of pop, a candy bar or a bag of chips per week.

We love to see our high school youth at worship and serving as acolytes, readers, assisting ministers, nursery helpers, and all the other ways they share their time and talents. It is a pleasure to see our young folks home from college and worshiping with us. We would also like to see them begin to develop the discipline of regular financial support for Zion’s ministry.

Some Zion members don’t realize that we keep a record of individual financial contributions. Why do we keep records? Because our Zion Constitution-- and the Constitution of the ELCA —require it. Another reason is that many members want to have a record of giving for income tax purposes.