Annual Giving Campaign FAQs

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What is the annual pledge campaign?

The First Church of Christ Lancaster, (Unitarian Universalist) is financially autonomous. We do not have a diocese or umbrella organization to support us if we fail to meet our annual operating budget needs. We are it – we are in effect a co-op. In the past, the annual pledge campaign gifts provided about 48% of the revenue we need, with the rest provided by church facility rentals, 24%, fundraisers, 19%, interest and dividends, 2%. In recent years we have been forced to make up the 7% difference by drawing down funds from our endowment. We hope to stem that tide soon, as living off our endowment will not ensure our long-term financial sustainability.

 The annual pledge campaign is held in late winter/early spring every year for the fiscal year that begins on July 1. However, pledges can be and are made throughout the year by new members and friends as they realize the value they find here. During the pledge campaign, every household in our community is invited to make a pledge – a promise – of financial support. The pledge you make and then honor in the upcoming year keeps the First Church of Christ Lancaster, (Unitarian Universalist) thriving. 

What are five easy ways to submit a pledge?

Who pledges?

Members. Friends. Parents. Newcomers. Each of us who is connected to the First Church of Christ Lancaster, (Unitarian Universalist) is invited to make an annual financial commitment to support the church.

I am not ready to become a member of this church, so why am I getting information about pledging?

We have non-members of the church who pledge financial support. We call them friends of the church. We invite everyone who is regularly participating in church activities to make a pledge.

How much should I pledge?

This is a personal decision. We ask you to consider your personal budget and what the church means to you as you determine the amount you can contribute to the church on a weekly or monthly basis. We ask everyone to consider making a pledge that is both meaningful and significant based on their own financial situation. Most of our members contribute on a regular basis. For newer members and friends, we ask that you consider pledging an amount that reflects a serious commitment to the place you have chosen as your spiritual home – not simply to donate to yet another charity.

 I’m doing well – what should I pledge?

If you attend Sunday services, are active in our programs and activities, or if you have children in Religious Exploration and our youth programs, and these connections are important in your life, then please consider a significant increase that would be meaningful to you and demonstrate your commitment.

 I have a limited income – what should I pledge?

Please know that you are always welcome at our church. If you have a modest income or are facing demands on your resources, then pledge what you can manage.

What if I have a hardship situation that prevents me from making a financial pledge?

If you cannot make a financial pledge because you are struggling financially, please know that you are welcome in our community.

 How is pledging different from weekly donations?

While donations via the weekly offering are greatly appreciated and are used to help support the church, they are unpredictable, and we cannot rely on them in planning our budget. Annual pledges give us a good idea of the funds we can expect during the year, providing a solid foundation for our operating budget to support the work we envision for the coming year.

Begin making your newly pledged annual gift amount in July. You may pay your pledge in a variety of ways – weekly, monthly, online, or via bank ACH transfers. These are all safe, secure, and convenient ways to give. Our church uses the Tithe.ly platform as our online giving platform. This ensures the security of transactions processed over the internet because transactions through the Tithe.ly website, as well as our website, are protected by SSL encryption.

If you put your pledge in the Sunday offering plate and pay with cash, be sure to place it in an envelope with your name so your payment can be tracked.

What about the time I contribute? Do you just care about money?

Your volunteer efforts are greatly appreciated, and we know how valuable your time is! Thank you for helping to make our congregational life work!

We also know that you understand that our staff, our building, and the things that we do for each other and for the rest of the world require money as well as time.

We could not survive without the generous donations of our members’ and friends’ time and talent, as well as their financial gifts

If you are eager to know more about our volunteer opportunities, committees, and other areas where energies are needed, please consult our website, read our weekly emails or talk to Rev. Wil Darcangelo, standing committee members, or various team or committee leaders about the options open to you.

The annual pledge campaign is the special time of the year when we talk more about money because we need to assure that we can turn our shared vision for the future year into actions that reach our members and the community.

 Where does my pledge go?

Your pledge goes toward paying wages and benefits to our staff, building maintenance, administrative costs, technology, the costs of worship services, religious exploration, ministries, programming, and committees/teams. Our budget, approved by the Standing Committee and then by the membership, details the amounts budgeted in each of these areas, and we provide regular reports of our expenses.

 Can I designate what I want my money to go to?

Not specifically. If you are a member of the church, you have a voice in deciding the overall direction of the church and how income will be used when the budget is voted on at the Annual Meeting in May. However, it is not possible to earmark specific annual pledges to pay for specific things. Although we do have special collections from time to time, for example, the fire alarm system upgrades that we needed this year. Those collections do go to fund a specific item or expense.

 How can I change my current pledge?

If your financial circumstances change and you want or need to change your pledge – either up or down – simply contact Office Administrator Emily Taylor and tell her what you want to do.

A pledge is a promise, not a contract. Letting us know if you need to change your pledge helps us anticipate our cash-flow and responsibly manage our budget.

 What about the large gift the church received?

The wonderful gift of $375,000 given by an anonymous donor last year, has been designated by the donor to primarily help fund the restoration of the historic Bulfinch Meeting House. Therefore, our pledge drive is to fund the operations of the church and is more important than ever.