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November is generally the month for financial discussions at South Church, as we develop budgets for the upcoming year and seek financial support from the congregation. Annual pledges are the single most important piece of the funding puzzle.
Here are some common questions about annual pledging at South Church: What is a pledge?
A pledge is a commitment to donate money to the church in the future. The pledge may be fulfilled with payments made on any frequency; some are able pay off their pledges early in the year, while others make weekly or monthly contributions throughout the year.
Who should pledge?
Every household should make a financial commitment, regardless of size, to support the church's work in the coming year.
how do I pledge?
You indicate your intentions by completing a pledge form and returning it confidentially to the Financial Secretary of South Church. (The Financial Secretary and Treasurer are the only people who see your pledge.)
How Much Should I pledge?
Pledge what's right for you. Although it costs about $1,000 per member to provide church services each year, we know that amount is beyond the means of some members and well within the means of others. In recent years annual pledges have ranged from $100 to $8,000.
Can I change my pledge?
You can change your pledge at any time. If you cannot fulfill your pledge, please let the Financial Secretary know as soon as possible so that we can revise our budgeted income. Conversely, if you can increase your pledge, you may either revise your commitment, or you may simply fulfill the original pledge and continue giving; these are recorded as "unpledged gifts" and have been an important source of support in recent years.
When do I pledge?
There is always one church service designated for the collection and consecration of pledges. At this service, members are asked to walk up the aisle and place their sealed pledges in a basket. (See the church calendar for the date of this event.)
Can I Mail my pledge Form?
Yes. Send your completed pledge form to the attention of the Financial Secretary and write "Annual Pledge" on the envelope to preserve its confidentiality. The mailing address is 20 Church Street, Newport, NH 03773.
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