“Join us on the Journey”
In the next few weeks, we will begin the Pledge Campaign which is part of the Stewardship Drive. You will be receiving a letter and a pledge card through the mail. Here are some frequently asked Q’s & A’s:
What does a pledge mean when you are pledging to BGCUMC?
A pledge is an estimate of how much money you plan to give to BGCUMC in a given year. It is not a binding contract. Life and circumstances change, and pledges can be revised up or down, depending on your situation.
Why do we ask you to pledge?
Your pledge makes it possible to create a budget so that we know how much we can count on for staffing, the mortgage and programs.
How much should I pledge?
The amount you pledge is an individual decision. It is a decision only you can make. Our budget for this coming year is going to be about $265,000. This covers salaries, benefits, building maintenance, church maintenance, custodial services, insurance, building mortgage, projected building costs (roof + painting). These are the large ticket items. If you would like more information on the specifics of the budget, we will be happy to get that to you if you contact one of the members of the Stewardship Committee.
Does my pledge cover my favorite outreach programs?
For the last few weeks we have celebrated groups and committees that engage many of us in fellowship and outreach, and the existence of the church allows us to bring people together, yet none of them receive funds from the general budget of the church for their outreach work. We think this is for good reason.
First, this system allows us to designate where these offerings go. If you have a special heart for the work of the food bank, you have the opportunity to bring in items they need or write a check to support them. Second, sometimes the needs are seasonal or periodic such as the Christmas baskets we provide for families in need or Family Promise whose guests we host four times a year. Third, it allows us to address emergencies and unexpected needs such as natural disasters without depleting funds that are earmarked for monthly expenses. As we transition our focus toward the General Fund of the church this month, we will focus on those programs and needs that are ongoing such as paying salaries, our mortgage, and keeping the lights and heat on.
Can I earmark donations for my favorite outreach group(s)?
You can give as much to your favorite group as you want to, but we want you to be aware that you are not pledging to them when you make your pledge to the general fund.
Within the next two weeks you will be invited to Join Us on the Journey by making a pledge.
Please pledge to the General Fund, knowing that it takes care of social, spiritual, and physical needs of our building, our worship, and our staff’s salaries. We want to keep our doors open, lights on, and worship and music lifting us.
