OL+FAQ


 * Frequently Asked Questions About Pledging for 2011/2012 **

Q: What is the Annual Pledge Appeal for 2011/2012? A: The church’s operating budget for the fiscal year (2011/2012) beginning July 1 and ending June 30, 2012, must be developed and then agreed to by the Board before the Annual Meeting of the congregation on May 22. Members and Friends are asked, beginning in late February, to make a pledge of money to the church for the new fiscal year. Donations to fulfill these pledges may be made throughout the period July to June. Pledging is vital to the ministries and programs of the church since the Board must budget only from these funds. Q: How can I make a pledge? A: Pledges may be made online at this Web site: media type="custom" key="8651836" beginning in late February. A paper form will be delivered to each Member or Friend yet to pledge at the formal “kick-off” Sunday on March 6, at the following Sunday March 13 or, failing those deliveries, by mail. Q: When should I make my pledge? A: **To avoid the cost of mailing a pledge packet to you after Sunday, March 13, please pledge online at** media type="custom" key="8651768" **or collect your pledge packet at Sunday services March 6 or March 13.** There will be a box for the deposit of pledge forms at each service on those Sundays. Discussion sessions are scheduled after the services on March 6 and March 13, to answer questions and hear any issues you may have before pledging. **At the latest, please make your pledge before April 8, 2011, so the budgeting may proceed on a reasonable schedule.** Q: Does Membership require a minimum annual pledge? A: No, although an “identifiable financial contribution” is required in our Bylaws, you decide the amount of your pledge. We ask only that you pledge generously within your means. Please look into your heart and reflect on how your participation in the church calls you to generosity. The role of the church in your life and your own financial situation are the most important considerations in helping you find your answer. Ask yourself whether the amount of your pledge makes a meaningful difference in your life. The goal is for everyone to feel good about their pledge. Friends who take part in the life of the church but are not members are also asked to consider a generous pledge. Q: What are other people pledging? A: The average pledge for the half-year 2011, annualized, per church member was $1,175. Individual member pledges range from $6,000 to $0 per year (75 members did not pledge), but the majority of pledges fall between $500 and $4,000 per year. For 2011-12 in order to meet current costs, keep programs strong, and replenish our reserves, the average pledge per member **for all members** needs to be about $1,250. Q: I put money in the plate during the Offertory on Sundays. Isn’t that enough to fulfill my financial obligation as a Member? A: The weekly offering collections are sincerely appreciated. But, the church is unable to include cash donations on your year-end donation receipt. And, as you know, some Sunday offerings are given to in‑house causes and to the community through “Share the Plate”. Members are required in our Bylaws to make an “identifiable financial contribution” each year. A pledge that commits to a certain contribution amount for the year is vitally needed so that the Board can budget and the congregation can approve an annual financial plan. Q: What about the time I volunteer? A: Volunteering lets us demonstrate our commitment to the church by using our time and our talents for worthwhile actions that benefit us all and the wider community we serve. Our pledge of financial donations supports the operations of the church, which is the underpinning, a platform, for our good works. Q. How much should I pledge? A: Please give as generously as you are able. You may be helped in your decision by the discussion and suggestions about how much to pledge on our Web site at "What is Our Share" click here. Q. I am required to withdraw some amount from my IRA or other retirement plan each year. Isn’t there a way to send some of that money directly to the church in fulfillment of my pledge and avoid it showing up in my Adjusted Gross Income? A. Yes there is. IRS Publication 590 ([|www.irs.gov]) contains the details and, of course, you should consult your tax professional before assuming that this direct contribution applies to your situation. Q. How do I pay my pledge? A: You may regularly place a check in the Sunday collection marked as “pledge donation” or mail it to the church, attention to Finance. Many congregants contribute once each month or quarter by having a portion of their pledge amount automatically deducted from their checking or savings account. To set up automatic payments you must fill out the Vanco Service Authorization Form (found in your pledge packet or obtained from the church office), attach a voided check and mail it or give it to the church office, attention to Finance. The same account can be debited year after year as long as the account number and your pledge do not change. Q: I do still have questions. Who can answer them? A: After each of the Sunday services on March 6 and March 13, a member of the board, a member of the Financial Task Force and a member of the Stewardship Committee will be available in the sanctuary, ten minutes after the service for twenty minutes, to answer your questions and to hear your concerns. Also, please feel free to call or email for more information: For general questions: Bill Poteat, Stewardship Chair, wopoteat@att.net, 919-932-7165 or Mary LeMay, lemaymc@mindspring.com, 919-933-7449. For questions related to setting up automatic payments: Andrea Sordean-Mintzer, Church Administrator, finance@c3huu.org, 919-942-2050

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