Stewardship

Stewardship is all about supporting a conscious decision by our members to be part of and contribute to something that is much bigger than each of us.  It’s about belonging to a church community that touches each of us at the core of our beliefs, our values, and challenges us to be more…. caring, loving, tolerant, inquisitive, giving and grateful.    

Stewardship is the oversight and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving. Stewardship is a spiritual exercise in the giving of time and talent for what we believe in.  

So, how do we do this?  

Being a member makes you an integral part of a loving community and in order for our community to thrive and grow it’s important that every member commit to making a pledge.  

In February of each year, the First Church Stewardship team solicits pledges from our members. The pledging period is from April 1 thru March 31. The funds are always committed in advance of the church fiscal year which runs from July 1 through June 30.

Really, why does it matter?

Pledges not only allow us the ability to focus on our priorities, but also to fund the programming that is important to our members and that supports our values, our growth and mission. Being a member means you’ve made a commitment to support our church year after year.  The reality is that without this commitment, it is impossible for First Church to continue to exist.  We need the faithful financial support of ALL of our members and friends.  

How much should I give?

That depends on the value you put on this church community.  It’s completely up to you! There are no set amounts. We recognize that financial circumstances are different for each member. 

 First Church is a diverse economic community and the average gift is $42.00 a week. We find that our members pledge based on an amount that best communicates their commitment to the mission of First Church according to their financial capacity.  

If you’d like to figure out what works best for your household, check out this useful tool:  the Unitarian Universalist Society’s “Suggested Fair Contribution Guidelines”.

What’s the best way for me to give?

Join our sustainer program. Sustainers set their pledge once to roll over year after year. Anytime during the year, sustainers have the option to increase their pledge or in the case where there have been unforeseen circumstances, pledges can be reduced.