On February 2, we will kick off our annual pledge drive for the church year that begins on July 1, 2025 and ends on June 30, 2026. As you consider what you will pledge, our 2025 Pledge Team invites you to reflect on how First Church fans the flame of hope, peace, love and justice in your heart, our community and the broader world. Perhaps, like me, you find authentic connection, inspiration and support by being a part of this beloved community. Whatever it is that you love and value about our First Church community, your annual pledge is what helps to sustain it.
This year, our pledge goal is to keep up with inflation, so we don’t fall behind in closing the gap between our annual operating income and annual expenses. An average First Church household pledge is $1900 per year, and we are asking all members to consider an increase to their annual pledge.
We recognize that some members pledge more, and some pledge less than our average household pledge, some members are still fulfilling a Forge our Future Pledge, and many other members may not have increased their annual pledge amount in many years. Our pledge form allows you to calculate the percentage increase that makes sense for your situation. Can you increase your annual pledge by 2, 4, 6 or 8 percent? We know not everyone can manage an increase at the highest level, but please know that whatever you can pledge is deeply appreciated.
Our budget planning process this spring will rely on the results of the pledge commitments that we secure in the next five weeks so please submit your pledge before our pledge drive ends on March 2. We are so grateful for everyone’s support of First Church. Together, we really do fan the flame.
Kathy Donius, Pledge Team member