FAQ+2012+2013


 * Frequently Asked Questions About Pledging for 2012/2013 **

// Q: What is the Annual Pledge Appeal for 2012/2013? // A: The church depends upon pledges from members in order to pay for staff salaries, the building mortgage, operating expenses such as utility and insurance bills, and all other program expenses. Once a year we ask all members to predict what they will be able to personally contribute for the coming fiscal year. **Our goal is to have all members make a pledge. The total amount pledged will determine the budget**.

// Q: What is the timeline for this process? // A: The church’s new fiscal year begins July 1, 2012 and ends June 30, 2013. The budget must be developed by the board and then voted on by the entire membership at the Annual All-Church Meeting on June 3. Members and Friends are asked to make their pledge now. Actual payments fulfilling these pledges may be made throughout the period July to June. The official pledge period ends in early April. There is a preliminary budget discussion on April 15, followed by a Board discussion on May 8. 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 should be made online at the church’s Web site: [|http://c3huu.org] **beginning March 11th and ending April 8**. A paper form will also be delivered to each Member or Friend at the formal “kick-off” Sunday on March 18, at the following Sunday March 25 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 25, please pledge online at** [|http://c3huu.org] **or collect your pledge packet at Sunday services March 18 or March 25.** There will also be a box for the deposit of paper pledge forms at each service on those Sundays. Informal discussion sessions are scheduled with board members after the services on March 18 and March 25, to answer questions and hear any issues you may have before pledging. **At the latest, please make your pledge before April 8, 2012,** so the budgeting may proceed on a reasonable schedule.

// Q: Does Membership require an annual pledge? // A: Our Bylaws state that **an “identifiable financial contribution” is required for all members**. 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. The goal is for everyone in our community to participate and to feel good about their pledge. Friends who take part in the life of the church but are not members are thus also asked to consider a generous pledge.

// 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 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 for our good works.

// Q: What are other people pledging? // A: The average pledge for the year 2012, per church member or friend unit (individual or family) was $1,260. The majority of pledges fall between $500 and $4,000 per year, but any amount is welcomed. Last year we had about 93% of members pledging, led by a small number of very generous donors. This year we would like to see 100% participation, in any amounts. For 2012-13 in order to meet current costs, keep programs strong, and replenish our reserves, the average pledge needs to increase by about 3%. Please do whatever you are able.

// 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 included in this packet and on our Web site at: [|http://c3huu.org]. The UUA considers a **“Fair Share”** pledge to be between 2% and 10% of a family’s annual income, which for many folks in Chapel Hill (earning between $25,000 and $100,000) would fall anywhere between $500 and $10,000 per year. We realize there are many extenuating circumstances and personal reasons that keep folks from being able to commit to these levels year after year, but we provide these guidelines as a starting point for consideration.

// Q. How do I pay my pledge? // A: 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 initially 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 will be debited year after year as long as the account number and your pledge do not change. If you do not notify the church that you wish to change your pledge amount or discontinue your pledge, the same amount that you pledged last year will continue to be drafted from your account for the coming year. You may also regularly place a check in the Sunday collection marked as “pledge donation” or mail it to the church, attention to Finance.

// Q: I do still have questions. Who can answer them? // A: After each of the Sunday services on March 18 and March 25, both a member of the Board 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: ** Becky or Chris Wilkes, Stewardship Co-Chairs, becky@wilkesmail.com or chris@wilkesmail.com, 919-604-1152 (Becky) or 919-604-1153 (Chris).
 * For questions related to automatic payments: ** Andrea Sordean-Mintzer, Church Administrator, finance@c3huu.org, 919-942-2050.

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