It is my pleasure to announce the commencement of Tithing Declaration interviews this year for members of the Geneva Heights 12th Ward!
Historically, Tithing Settlement was held as an accounting exercise—an opportunity to verify that donations made by members matched what was on file with the Church, reconcile any errors, and to complete remaining donations for the year. Over the years, especially following the advent of online donations and on-demand personal donation statements, Tithing Settlement has transformed from an exercise in temporal accounting to that of a spiritual accounting.
Last month, the Presiding Bishopric formally recognized that shift from temporal to spiritual accounting in these annual settlement meetings. Now called Tithing Declaration, the primary purposes for these annual interviews are for members to give a declaration of their tithing status to the bishop and for the bishop to have an opportunity to visit with each member and family in the ward. Since Tithing Declaration is no longer a financial accounting meeting held to summarize the previous year, the Tithing Declaration season may now commence as early as September 1st. As of this publication, members may schedule Tithing Declaration appointments with me through the online scheduling tool available at https://gh12thbishop.10to8.com. You can choose to meet in-person (preferred) or online for this interview.
While these changes are good, there are many who have or may still wonder: why should I or my family participate in a Tithing Declaration interview? This question is a tough one to answer concisely due to the various contexts for the one asking it, but there are some general principles that apply to everyone that I will share to help you in your journey to find the answer for yourself.
- Accountability is a fundamental principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are each required to give account of our adherence to the covenants we’ve made. Some of that accountability is maintained in this life through events like Tithing Declaration or a Temple Recommend interview. The accountability interviews you participate in during mortality are types of the final accountability interview you will have with your Savior. If you let them, these interviews will help you prepare for that blessed day when you give an accounting of your discipleship directly to your Lord and Master.
- I hold keys to help you. If you’re struggling to pay tithing, this is an opportunity to counsel with me and develop a plan together to help you exercise faith and enjoy the blessings of keeping commandments like paying a full tithe. Remember, we are promised blessings in accordance with our obedience to their associated commandments (see D&C 130:20-21). Where special blessings are directly associated with a commandment, you can be assured those blessings when you keep that commandment. Let’s work together to help you obtain the blessings promised to those who pay a full tithe (see Malachi 3:10-12 and D&C 64:23).
- Finally, I have treats. This year, all those who meet with me for a Tithing Declaration interview will walk away with a treat—a small gift from a bishop who loves you and looks forward to every opportunity to visit with you.
I look forward to visiting with each of you this year and will strive to make each Tithing Declaration appointment an uplifting and spiritual experience for every adult, youth, and child.
Faithfully yours,
Bishop Ty Kenworthy
Vineyard's Trailside Ward Community 