Stewardship Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to pledge?
Pledges are important for two reasons: practically, they help the church leaders make financial decisions for the coming year, and spiritually, it is a way to put your faith into action. By making a pledge, you are making a personal commitment to share your blessings and participate in the life of the church.  

How do I make a pledge?
There are two ways to make your pledge – pick the one that works for you.  You may email stewardship@springglenchurch.org.  This “greener” option allows us to save paper and postage.  The second option is to complete and return a paper pledge form to the church.  Paper pledge forms will be available in the church office and the Narthex.

How much should I pledge?
We recognize this is a personal decision, and suggest a possible starting point is to reflect on the blessings you have received in life and what Spring Glen Church means to you.

No really, how much should I pledge?
In the Bible, those who choose to “tithe” committed themselves to giving 10% of what they received to God. That meant 10% of their crops, offered in sacrifice, or 10% of salaries given to the church. In today’s world, with competing interests, 10% to the church is an amount that might create financial stress rather than a cheerful gift to God.

The UCC suggests “proportional giving”: committing yourself to a specific proportion of your income to pledge. While some members may be capable of 10%, others may find that 5% or 2% is more possible.  The important thing is to make a commitment and to give joyfully. (See reverse for monthly proportional giving amounts.)

Can I just give what I’m comfortable each week when the offering is taken?
While these gifts are gratefully received, the church leaders do need an idea of anticipated support in order to plan for the year to come. Pledges allow us to do that more confidently.

I am not a member, am I supposed to pledge?
Yes, we hope that you might pledge your support of SGC and the community. Financial pledges are a way of saying you endorse the ministry being enacted through Spring Glen Church.

Who will know the amount I pledge?
Church leaders who need to know individual pledge amounts in order to conduct church business, including leadership from Trustees, Stewardship, and the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. This information is not widely shared, but it is important for those who are making plans for the church to have the information they need to be effective in their duties.  In addition, the Senior Pastor may also choose to know this information in order to provide appropriate leadership on stewardship issues.   

Are pledges the church’s only source of income?
Our operating budget consists of pledges (committed and expected), investment income, loose plate offerings, and miscellaneous income. Currently about 75% of our operations budget comes from committed pledges.

What happens if I can’t give the amount I pledge?
Your pledge can be changed or cancelled at any time by contacting Assistant Treasurer Chuck Paul. There is no legal liability for your pledge, and the church does not pursue unfulfilled pledges.

Does the United Church of Christ help support Spring Glen Church?
Actually, it’s the other way around. We support the Connecticut Conference of the UCC and National UCC each year so that ministry and outreach might be possible in struggling areas of our denomination, nation and world.

Are there other ways I could support Spring Glen Church financially?
Yes!  We encourage members to support the church when making their estate plans.  Members can support the church through trusts, endowments, and/or last will and testaments. 

Who do I approach with additional questions or concerns?
Any member of the Stewardship Committee, church lay leaders, or clergy.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration in this year’s stewardship season.
 


Monthly Giving if the Percentage is:

Annual Income

Monthly Income

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

15%

 $ 10,000 833 17 33 50 67 83 125
 $ 20,000 1,667 33 67100 133 167 250
 $ 30,000 2,500 50100150 200 250 375
 $ 40,000 3,333 67133200 267 333 500
 $ 50,000 4,167 83167250 333 417 625
 $ 60,000 5,000100200300 400 500 750
 $ 70,000 5,833117233350 467 583 875
 $ 80,000 6,667133267400 533 6671,000
 $ 90,000 7,500150300450 600 7501,125
 $ 100,000 8,333167333500 667 8331,250
 $ 125,000 10,417208417625 8331,0421,563
 $ 150,000 12,5002505007501,0001,2501,875
 
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