Ways to Donate and Pledge
We joyfully give back to Christ by supporting the church financially, because He has given so much to us. And unlike in the Old Country, our church is not supported by the government.
Ways to give:
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AmazonSmile
Do you shop on Amazon? If so, there is an easy way to benefit the church while doing so. Go to smile.amazon.com, where you'll find all of the items for purchase (at the same prices) as are found on the main site. Once you sign in, you will be asked what charity you would like to benefit. Enter St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Christian Mission and 0.5% of qualifying purchases will be given back to the church. It's that simple.
Do you shop on Amazon? If so, there is an easy way to benefit the church while doing so. Go to smile.amazon.com, where you'll find all of the items for purchase (at the same prices) as are found on the main site. Once you sign in, you will be asked what charity you would like to benefit. Enter St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Christian Mission and 0.5% of qualifying purchases will be given back to the church. It's that simple.
Financial basics: St. Raphael Orthodox Church operates as a financially independent entity—that is, the church is fully responsible for budgeting its income and its expenses, and maintaining the balance of the two. Our expenses include clergy (mainly compensation for our priest), maintenance of our building (including mortgage and all utilities), charity, supporting the archdiocese, and a few other expenses. Our only source of income is contributions from our members and friends in form of regular pledges or one-time donations and gifts. (You are welcome to look at the Treasurer’s Report for a more detailed view of our financial situation.)
Choose What to Give Toward
When making yearly pledges, most of us give primarily toward the most important needs: Operating Expenses and the Building Fund. Other ways to direct your giving (listed below) are also on the downloadable Pledge Form and as "Designations" on the blue donation form above.
Main expenses:
Other expenses:
Main expenses:
- Operating Expenses: St. Raphael Orthodox Church’s 2020 operating budget needs (excluding mortgage) are estimated around $9,360 per month. This includes a partial tithe to the archdiocese, building insurance and utilities, and priest salary and benefits.
- Building Fund: Our monthly mortgage payment is $1,851.
Other expenses:
- Food Pantry: Our food pantry is open regularly to those in need.
- Building Improvement/Special Projects: Currently this goes toward repair and upkeep costs and to the creation of our new kitchen.
- Benevolence Fund: This is for small cash gifts given by our priest to those with emergency needs.
- Sunday School: Currently not a part of our operating expenses, Sunday school supplies are essential for learning.
Current Projects
Our New Kitchen
A longtime dream is coming true. We have begun the process of planning a full-service kitchen off the corner of our fellowship hall in the basement, where the piano now sits. Just imagine! No more food slopping around in the car on the way to church. To give toward the kitchen: Write "Kitchen" in the subject line of your check. Or in the blue donation box above, click on the designation "Building Improvement/Special Projects." |