Making a pledge to First Church is making a commitment to the ministry and mission of our Church.  Generously giving our time and financial resources fosters bounty that we all share among our church community and in the wider world.  You may make a pledge on this website instead of having to complete and return a hard copy pledge form. It is a simple, secure and confidential way to make your pledge supporting the Church. Please click on the menu on the left margin for "Stewarship/Enter Your Pledge Here".

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Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Pledges to First Church

  1. Why does the church ask us to pledge financial support each year?  Donations from each of us are the primary source of revenue for the church.  Stewardship is our celebration of the gifts we have been given and our expression of gratitude to God. Through giving, every member participates in the life and ministries of First Church.  Giving is also an act of discipleship!
  2. What does the church do with our pledges? They are used to support and grow all First Church ministries. Pledges allow the church to develop an annual operating budget, so that we know how much money will be available to cover expenses each year. $.20 of every dollar goes directly to mission and outreach - in our own community, as well as in Hartford, Biloxi, MS and Masooli, Uganda. Pledges also maintain our building, support professional staff and fund educational programs, pastoral care, and worship.  In short: your pledges make all our ministries possible.
  3. Doesn't the church have fund-raisers and endowment funds that will pay for current expenses? No. The church has very few fund raising activities and they are used to raise money for outreach programs. The church does have an endowment but the income from the endowment and rentals covers less than 10% of operating expenses.
  4. How much should I pledge? Scripture talks about the "tithe" or giving an offering of the first 10% of the gifts God has given to us. You might start by giving 5% of your annual income to the church and 5% to other causes that you want to support. Some of us may be able to give significantly more than that and others will not be able to do that much. Bottom line: choose a level that feels significant to you, one that comes not out of what is "left over" but from your "first fruits."
  5. What if I am giving 1% or 2% of my income to the church today? We invite you to consider increasing your pledge each year, perhaps by 1% until you reach that "significant" level.
  6. Are my contributions to the church tax deductible? Yes. You will get a year-end statement from the church that will serve as your receipt as required by the IRS.
  7. When does the church need my pledge? Pledge Sunday is November 22. We ask you to bring your pledge card to church on that Sunday, mail your pledge card to the church office or pledge online. Getting your pledge in promptly reduces the work of our volunteers who make follow-up phone calls.
  8. How do I pay my pledge? You may pay your pledge in cash, check, or stock. You may pay weekly, monthly, or annually. The church can, at your request, make monthly withdrawals from your bank account for the amount you specify. Contact Jim Kew, at 658-6881,  if you would like the forms to do this or would like more information about the process.
  9. Why can't I just send money and not make a pledge? Pledging helps the church know how much money it can budget for. If you send money but don't pledge, your contributions will not be included in the budget estimates that are prepared for 2009.
  10.   What if I have questions about the church budget?  The Board of Finance, chaired by our Treasurer, Jim Trimble, welcomes any questions about the budget.