First Parish Unitarian Universalist
Canton, Massachusetts

First Parish Pride
2008-2009 Stewardship Budget Drive

First Parish Unitarian Universalist – Canton
April 2008

Please read this printable version of the 2008 - 2009 Budget Drive Information Packet. (The text and images in the packet follow.)

2008-2009 Budget Drive Information Packet (PDF, 212 KB)

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First Parish programs and activities might be categorized into four major areas:

• Business and Operations
• Community Within
• Lifespan Religious Education
• Beyond Our Walls

Within and overlapping each category we find the myriad committees, task forces and informal entities that constitute First Parish Life.

Business and Operations encompasses:

• Buildings and Grounds
• Technology
• Publicity
• Finance
• Memorial Fund
• Rentals

Community Within embraces these fundamental areas:

• Worship
• Membership Incorporation
• Fellowship
• Ministry
• Stewardship
• Caring/Helping Hands
• Committee on Ministry
• Music
• Church Services

Lifespan Religious Education includes:

• Religious Education
• Youth/Young Adult
• Adult

Beyond Our Walls contains:

• Social Justice
• Denominational Connections

Taken together and including planning & coordination by the Parish Committee and Strategic Planning Task Force, First Parish provides spiritual nourishment, a caring community, lifespan religious education programs, wonderful music, and inspiring special events. Together we make a difference in the wider world through our social justice work and our generous giving to help those in need. Your stewardship is vital to sustaining and strengthening our spiritual home.

Why Pledge?

Each spring, members and friends are asked to estimate the amount of their financial contribution for the upcoming year. This helps us plan a balanced budget. Your generous financial support ensures continuity of the programs and services that we value. Making and fulfilling a pledge can be personally rewarding. It feels good to support a cause you believe in.

Where Does Our Operating Budget Come From?

Stewardship: 53%
CGS (Net Income): 11%
Rentals (Including Cell Tower Income): 24%
Ministerial Fund: 12%

How Much Should I Give?

Financial commitments are confidential and are up to the individual. In recent years our stewardship goal has been the “quarter tithe”. We are challenged to give generously within our individual means. Together our commitments make up a substantial portion of the income of First Parish.

This year our stewardship goal is $125,000!

Based on data from previous budget drives we anticipate the following
distribution of pledges and pledge amounts:

First Parish Annual Budget Drive
Essential Gifts Chart

To reach our financial goal, we need the following distribution of gifts. Ask
yourself: How do I feel about my previous giving in relation to the gifts I have been given? Have I given until it feels good? Can I increase my commitment to the next giving level?

1	gift of $10,000 or more
4	gifts of $4,000 to $6,000
10	gifts of $3,001 to $3,500
5	gifts of $2,501 to $3,000
4	gifts of $2,001 to $2,500
8	gifts of $1,501 to $2,000
16	gifts of $1,000 to $1,500
10	gifts of $751 to $1000
Several	gifts of up to $500

How Will My Financial Commitment Be Used?

Here is a sampling of the programs and activities supported by your stewardship:

• Interim Ministry and the search process for a settled minister
• Music!
• Youth Group
• OWL program for 7-9 grades
• Social Justice Initiatives
• Staff – Salaries and benefits for Ministry, Director of Religious Education, Music Director, Administrator and Youth Ministry Associate
• Maintenance, Utilities, Office Supplies, etc.
• Contributions to the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Ballou-Channing District.

Business & Operation: 44%
Community Within: 39%
Lifespan Religious Education: 11%
Beyond Our Walls: 6%

How Can I Make a Financial Commitment?

During our budget drive, all members and friends will receive a budget drive packet.

This year, for the first time in many years, we have created a small team of
“visiting stewards.” Some members and friends can expect to be contacted by a visiting steward who will meet with you to discuss your experiences and dreams for First Parish. Others will simply be asked to complete their financial commitment form and return it by the end of the budget drive period.

When will the Budget Drive take place?

We will kick off the budget drive on Sunday, March 30. The drive will end on Sunday April 27 with a First Parish Pride luncheon.

If you do not receive a pledge packet, please email Janice at the church office (or call her at 781-828-0296) to request one.

Thank you in advance for making this year’s budget drive one in which we can all take pride!

2008-2009 Budget Drive Team:

Jonathan Mason
David Bryant
Kitty McGregor
Don Seaman
Sid Whiting
Liz Cole Sheehan
Tom Hanold
Larry Cotton