Questions and Answers about Pledging at St. Alban’s
1. Why are pledges so
important at St. Alban’s? Contributions from
2. How do I determine a pledge amount? That's an extremely personal decision and everyone's financial circumstances are different. One appropriate starting point is 5% of your gross annual income. It is best, both for you and for the church, to start out with an amount with which you are comfortable and to steadily increase it each year. For individuals or families considering their first pledge, the act of making an annual pledge is just as important as the amount. Once a pledge is made and kept, the pledger becomes more and more invested in the ministry of the parish. Please join us in helping to support the work that we do together at St. Alban’s.
3. What is the average
pledge amount at St. Alban's? For the 2007 budget year, our average annual
pledge is approximately $2,603. That average amount is influenced by a few
larger pledges. Pledge amounts at St. Alban’s vary widely. Approximately 51 %
of our pledges are $2,000 or less, so every pledge is significant for our
4. How often should I make pledge payments and how should I make them? It’s up to you. The majority of our pledges are made weekly or monthly—either dropped in the collection plate on Sunday or mailed into the church office. Many longtime pledgers find it helpful to make out their monthly pledge check when they pay their monthly bills so they don’t forget to support St. Alban’s on a regular basis. Others bring their checkbook to church on Sunday so that they can write their check before the service. What is important is making the pledge regularly: the salaries of staff members, the utility bills. . . all need to be paid monthly.
5. What if I need to adjust my pledge amount? That's a simple matter of a sending a note to the Pledge Secretary, in care of the church office. Unanticipated circumstances do arise -- both for increases and decreases in the pledge amount. Your pledge is not a legal obligation -- it is a personal one, between you and God. Some pledgers make a point of overpaying their pledge in the final months of a year as "practice" for an increased pledge amount in the coming year. We have a high fulfillment rate for pledges at St. Alban's. Collectively, what we pledge, we give!!
6. How will I know when I am giving the right amount? That's another very personal decision. Many longtime pledgers strive to give a certain percentage of their income. Many are working towards a 10% Biblical benchmark known as the tithe, with some giving above that level. We hope that your pledging activity will keep pace with changes in your personal financial situation and with your sense of commitment to our church's work. God calls us to give back the “first fruits” of our labor, remembering that all we have comes from God and we are just stewards of what God has provided. You’ll know you're giving the right amount when you feel good about what you're giving. If you haven’t adjusted your pledge in several years it is time to consider increasing your level of giving. The parish expenses continue to mount. This year’s budget exceeds last year’s by about 8 % for essentially the same expenses.
7. How is the annual Stewardship Campaign different than the Capital Campaign? The Capital Campaign is a campaign of limited duration with a specific objective—to improve our physical plant. At its conclusion, the results will be apparent to all. By contrast, the objective of the annual Stewardship Campaign is to fund the day-to-day operation of St.Alban’s facilities, Christian education, worship, fellowship and outreach in our community and abroad. Its fruits are everywhere and yet not as apparent: when the lights are on, the rector is preaching, the ACCA commitment is paid and another successful Vacation Bible School has been completed, that’s when the stewardship campaign is successful. The two campaigns are distinctly different and your continued support is needed for both.
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9. When is my pledge due? Pledge Sundays are November 4th and November 11th. Please return your pledge by this date. Beginning in December the Vestry must start considering how it will balance the proposed 2008 budget with the anticipated level of pledge income. Your timely response will help the Vestry perform this task.
10. Will I receive a record of my contributions? Yes, if you make your contribution in a numbered envelope or if you pay by check with your name on the check. Our Pledge Secretary produces quarterly reports of cumulative pledge payments for the calendar year. However, we cannot track cash contributions put into the collection plate without a numbered contribution envelope. Your contributions to St. Alban’s may be tax deductible – check with your tax advisor to be sure.
11. Other questions? More information will be available on the Parish website. If you have further questions, please speak with any member of the Stewardship Committee: Shawn Clune, Susan Lavrakas, John Norton, David Wildes or Ron Vogel. Shawn is also our Vestry liaison. Jack Keith is out Pledge Secretary.
Your pledge will help St. Alban’s succeed in 2008. Thank You!
2007 pledges by dollar range
$1--$1,000 48
$1,001--$2,000 39
$2,001--$3,000 40
$3001-- $5,000 18
$5,001--$7,000 13
$7,001--$10,000 7
$10,000+ 4