Stewardship Committee Report
for December 14, 2008 Congregational Meeting
Pledge Statistics
At this point (12/1/08) we have received $525,943 in pledges from 343 households (pledging units) and have raised 87.7 % of our goal of $600,000.� �This is over the $525,000 which is included in the proposed budget.
Of those who have pledged so far:
����������� 34% increased their pledges from last year
����������� 12% decreased their pledges
����������� 29% kept their pledges the same level
25% are from new members or renewals
The average pledge is $1,533 and the median pledge, $1,000.
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The average share of the 2009 proposed budget ($690,269) per voting member (596) is $1,158.
The average share of the 2009 proposed budget per pledging unit (388) is $1,779.
Currently there are 45 outstanding pledges (member households that made a pledge for 2008, but have not made a pledge for 2009 and have not resigned or declared a zero pledge.)� �This is 12% of the 388 potential pledging households.
Comments
During the upcoming weeks and months, the Stewardship Committee will reflect upon this information about this year?s canvass.� There is room for improvement.� Our preliminary thoughts follow:
Close the Back Door
�We recommend that the church implement a strategic membership retention initiative to ?close the back door.?� This initiative should include solicitation of input from church members about what they think is working and what needs improving, as well continued contact and integration of new members into church activities within several weeks after they join.�� We believe that this effort at improving connections would increase the chance for initial pledges to be made by new members, existing pledges to be honored, and renewals to be made at the time of the pledge campaign.�
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Discussion of Stewardship throughout the Year
To create a culture of abundance, we should increase discussion of Stewardship and financial commitment beyond our customary 6-week pledge drive (Labor Day through October).� This should not be a taboo because how we spend our money strongly reflects our values.� The health of our church community is directly tied to our finances.� For that reason, all members must be informed of their responsibility to pledge generously on an annual basis and then to fulfill their pledges throughout the year.� �We should have articles about Stewardship in the newsletter during the year.� We suggest a continued conversation about Stewardship by church leaders throughout the year.� It is likely to take several years of continuous effort to achieve the mindset of the congregation to create a culture of abundance.
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Need for Increased Participation on the Stewardship Committee
A successful Stewardship Campaign requires much advance planning and work.� Ideally, many church members should share the responsibility for organizing and executing the pledge drive.� We would like to see more church members join the Committee to assist in Stewardship tasks throughout the year, including the preparation for the upcoming 2010 Stewardship Campaign.
Volunteer Recognition
First, thanks to all who pledged, and to those who increased their pledge from last year, even under trying times, with the good of the church at heart.� Thank you for recognizing that this church is more than just a minister, more than just a building, more than just a congregation?It is a community, fellowship, a place of learning and enriching our spirits.
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The Stewardship Committee consisted of Co-Chairs Margaret Roberts and Mark Skrabacz, and member Mary Jane Ford who worked year round on the campaign.� Also, Joseph Hunt, Kae McLaughlin, Michael Trice and Jean Davison joined the team during the year.� Thanks to all members for the contributions you have made which include planning the campaign, making speeches, manipulating data bases, preparing reports, developing the brochure, planning parties, staffing the pledge table, and canvassing.� Special thanks to Keith Savage for his programming and assistance on the on-line data base, to Michael Sweet for work on the brochure, and to Andi Windham for assistance on the church website.
Thanks to the Church office staff and Bookkeeper Jim Scott whose duties increase at pledge time, especially in the realm of credit card pledges.
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The Committee expresses its thanks and acknowledgment to party hosts and helpers: �Don Smith, Sheila Gladstone, Stephan Windsor, Luther Elmore, Bob Porter, David Leibson, Jim Barry, Melanie Walter Mahoney and Linda West.
Thanks to ?Just In Time? Canvass callers who have not been named previously:
Shannon Vyff, Nell Newton, Mike West, Eric Stimmel, Bonny Gardner, Phil Hastings,� Mark Kilpatrick, and Marian Maxwell.
Thanks to those who gave testimonials at the services:� Sheila Gladstone; Mark Kilpatrick; Don Smith; Elizabeth Gray and Eugene, Edward, and Patrick Balaguer; Rose Ann Reeser; Eric Hepburn; Luther Elmore; and George and Barbara Denny,
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And thanks to those who worked the pledge table in addition to the Stewardship Committee: �Linda Taylor, Joyce Wilson, Kathryn Govier and Jeanette Swenson.
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Thanks for your dedication and vigilance.
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Mary Jane Ford
Documents pertaining to the December 14 meeting:
