from the Post-Gazette... People who attend Ascension know that stewardship of their church is, fundamentally, a matter of spirituality. They know that they're asked to give in relationship to ­-- and in thanks for -- their blessings.

But, for Sustaining Members, stewardship is a matter of responsibility, too. Sustaining Members are the caretakers of a very human institution -- one with a need for money in order to do its work in the world.

Here's why someone who attends Ascension should seriously consider becoming a Sustaining Member, and look to the upcoming year in order to make a financial promise to the church:

1. "To pray, work and give" -- taken from the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer -- these are the duties of all Christians.

2. Anyone is welcome to attend Ascension and to participate fully in the church's worship and other programs, whether they're members or not -- and whether they contribute money or not. Like that great, old poster for the Episcopal Church, "There Are No Outcasts Here!"

3. Some people who attend Ascension, however, choose to become Sustaining Members and take on some of the financial responsibility for the church.

4. All institutions -- indeed all families -- need a budget.

5. Without annual pledges, the church has no way of projecting its income -- and no meaningful budget for its work.

6. More important than the amount of any pledge is the fact that the church can count on that promised income. The most important thing about a pledge isn't its size, but it's reliability, because the church can't plan any programs, hire any staff, or fix the furnace based on weekly, uncommitted collections.