What is a Pledge?

In the United Church of Christ, each church operates autonomously in business matters. This means it is responsible for generating its own income. Unlike other denominations, the UCC does not consist of a hierarchical structure that will make up a church’s shortfall.

Typically, UCC churches receive most of their income in the form of pledges made by their members. A pledge is a written document that indicates a member’s intention to donate a specific amount in the coming year in a payment schedule that is convenient.

Pledging is a Christian practice that has theological roots. God blessed us with the ability to work and live, and pledging is a way in which we joyfully honor God by giving back an amount that is appropriate to our ability in order to do God’s work. Pledging is not tithing; instead, it is a statement of intent or commitment that is part of a lifestyle of generosity.

In the United Church of Rowayton, the Stewardship Committee oversees the pledge drive. The Stewardship Committee is an appointed committee established annually by the Board of Household Concerns.

Why Pledge?

Every year, the United Church of Rowayton asks its members to pledge, to promise to financially contribute to the church.  These are not easy times for any of us.  Why should people give their hard-earned money to their church?

Giving is how we partner in and become part of the Church’s ministry.  It pays for:

  • for the outreach program that helps thousands in need in our immediate community and the world,
  • the Christian Education program that touches the lives of children and adults,
  • the music heard in our services,
  • the Care Giving ministry that reaches out to those who are suffering, and
  • all other programs that make up the life of this church.

 

Giving also:

  • helps the United Church of Rowayton to be the Church by helping others and making a difference,
  • funds those who tirelessly minister to us,
  • lets us touch people’s souls through worship services, baptisms, and marriages,
  • is how we invest in something that truly matters to us, and
  • is one way in which we glorify God and how we can respond to God’s grace.

Oh… and it helps pay our bills so we can do all of these things!

Download the Stewardship Committee’s pledge letter.

Click to watch a video explanation of recurrent online giving OR click to download written instructions.

If you already pledged this year, THANK YOU!  And if not, here’s the form:

Pledge Today

Pledge Online

Gifting and Planned Giving

The Board of Household Concern’s Planned Giving/Special Gifts Committee is responsible for enhancing the Church’s endowment fund and assists individuals in gift planning. Gifting includes:

Outright Gift and Deferred Gift: The simplest way of giving. Subject to limitations, these gifts are tax-deductible.

Bequests by Will: Such bequests are excluded in calculating your estate taxes. The United Church of Rowayton can be included in new wills or added to an existing will via a codicil.

Life Insurance: Name the United Church of Rowayton as a beneficiary or co-beneficiary of your policy. Subject to limitations, the premium payment may be available as a tax deduction.

Gifts of Securities or Property: A gift of securities or real estate offers special tax advantages to the donor concerned with long-term or short-term capital gains.

Creation of a Trust: A trust may be designed to meet any special set of circumstances to guarantee family needs and eventually pay principal or income to the United Church of Rowayton.

Laws change, so always check with your tax advisor.