What does it all mean?
Sunday, March 3rd is the kickoff for our annual stewardship campaign. Due to increases in healthcare insurance costs and general inflation, we have a goal this year of raising $535,000 which is $80,000 more than what was pledged last year. As a reminder, more than 3/4 of the funding for all North Parish programming and operations comes from pledges made by the congregation. Below is a primer that addresses some of the key questions that you may have.
What is a pledge?
A pledge is a promise to make a contribution to the congregation. The total amount pledged by everyone is used by the leadership to plan programs and staffing levels, and to set a budget for the next fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2024.
Who should pledge?
Our goal is to receive a pledge from 100% of the members and active non-members of the congregation. This goal is based on fundamental fairness. We are a community of people with a vision, and understand we cannot achieve our vision alone. We rely on everyone participating.
How do I make a pledge?
- Log into REALM and enter your pledge amount for the coming year
- Fill out a pledge card and put it in the collection plate
- Hand in a pledge card at the Stewardship Table during coffee hour
- Simply email your name and the amount you plan to give to office@northparish.org
Pledges are “no money down”! They are for the next fiscal year so you do not have to write a check or put a credit card number into REALM now! Follow this link for more detailed instructions for pledging.
My income is variable; what if I have a slow period and can’t fulfill my promise… Should I pledge at all? Please do; it’s the only way we can set a budget. A pledge is your best guess at what you will be able to give. If things change (work, job, family) and you need to adjust it up or down over the next year, simply let a minister know or email the office. Sometimes we all face unexpected “curve balls” in life, and sometimes we receive unanticipated financial blessings!
How much should I pledge? That is up to each person’s ability and financial situation, as well as the priority of North Parish in their household budget plan. Our anticipated budget this year breaks down to a cost of $2000 per member for this coming fiscal year. This would be $165/month or a little over $40 a week. Some can afford this and more and others cannot. But we are an economically diverse congregation, and we ask everyone to be comfortable with what they pledge.