As a self-governing UU congregation, most of our budget comes from us: from people who make and pay an annual pledge. A “pledge” is your commitment to give the congregation a certain amount of money over the coming fiscal year, July 2024-June 2025. When we ask you to “make a pledge,” we are asking you how much money you intend to donate to FCJPUU in the fiscal year.

While the congregation is always grateful to receive any amount of money at any time, it is our pledges that allow us to plan the operating budget for the coming year. If we had to rely on spontaneous, surprise donations, we would be unable to staff and fund the congregation. Annual pledges paid in regular installments enable us to pay all of our monthly expenses.

After you “make a pledge,” then we expect you to “pay your pledge.” We will send you a quarterly statement to remind you of the amount you pledged to donate, and let you know how much you have donated so far this fiscal year.

How much should you give? The most important factor is your own capacity to give. You know best what this is. Do not give out of what you need to survive, but do give enough that it is a meaningful spiritual practice of generosity. If you’re working, Rev. Elizabeth suggests you give a percentage of your income, after that income has been adjusted to consider taxes, medical bills, care of a parent, or other large expenses. If you are not working, you might examine the amount of money you have left over after covering your monthly expenses, and decide from there what amount is possible.

Knowing that our congregation includes people of all class backgrounds and current economic positions; we ask those with greater capacity to give financially to do so, so that all of us can participate in community.

First Church now has the opportunity to take advantage of employer match programs. Please ask your
employer’s HR department whether it matches donations. If it does, then ask whether the new Monument Square Meeting House Foundation Inc., a non-profit dedicated to First Church’s building
and grounds, is eligible for a match. The foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit with Tax ID 92-2052131. Learn more here.

Your pledge history and amount is known to the Pledge Chair, the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Rev. Elizabeth, and the Office Administrator. If you pledge through the Foundation, your pledge will be known to their financial officer(s).

Rev. Elizabeth Bukey Saunter is also available to talk with you more about things like your pledge, your feelings on money, and generosity as a part of spiritual and community life. 

Please pledge with intention, generosity, and fearless determination as we work to support our beloved congregation. 

Submit your pledge with this form here, mail a pledge form to the church office, or give it in-person to our Pledge Chair, Dennis O’Brien.

For more information on pledging, see these FAQs.