Pledging at First Church
Updated: Sep 15
'Stewardship' is the process we use annually to raise funds that support our budget for operations and mission. Each year, in our annual Stewardship Campaign, we ask our First Church members to commit annually, or “pledge,” a certain financial donation toward the coming year's operating budget. Together, our dollars fuel the Church's ministries, including 10% of total pledged income being given away, both locally and globally. We ask members to consider pledging a percentage of their income: 1%, 3% or even up to the classical biblical pledge of 10%. We build our operating budget based on the results of our campaign, striving to be both optimistic dreamers and prudent caretakers of the Church's dollars.
First Church is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Please consult your accountant or tax professional to find out if your donation is tax-deductible.
First Church is a Congregational church and joins with other Congregational churches as part of the United Church of Christ (UCC). Being a Congregational church means that we are self-governing within our congregation and also that we are financially self-supporting. We donate part of our mission budget to support the wider UCC denomination, but we do not receive any funds from the wider church.
We are stewards of God's bounty, and we give not because we must but because we can! We share our means and time, be it in large amounts or small, joyfully, and as part of a church family which is passionate about music, about children and youth, about justice and about mission. To set up automatic electronic pledge payments, fill out the Authorization Form and return it to Office Manager, Rebecca Fleahman, in the Church Office.
Pledging and Giving Options for our 2027 Stewardship Campaign
First Church is an engaged and active community where people of all ages are sharing God’s love near and far! To continue to grow and thrive, we need people to share their time, talent and treasure.
Why should I pledge?
· Each year church leaders use the information we receive from pledges to shape our budget. The more information we have about what is expected, the better we can plan and be good stewards of the gifts we have been given.
· The single largest income item (~69%) in our annual church budget is Current Pledges. It takes money to care for our buildings, pay our staff, run programs and to be the church in the world!
· Pledging is a great way to give thanks to God, feel a sense of belonging and answer God’s call to be faithful, generous and compassionate! God calls us to be cheerful givers! (2 Corinthians 9:7) Let us rejoice that we can make a difference in the world!
How can I make a pledge? (You have options!)
OPTION 1: Complete and return your pledge letter by October 11.
OPTION 2: Complete our online pledge form by October 11.
OPTION 3: Email Rebecca in the church office to let her know your pledge amount at firstchurch@glastonburyfirst.org.
How do I pay my pledge? (You have options!)
OPTION 1: Use a pledge envelope to regularly pay your pledge in cash or check. Drop it in the offering plate on Sunday morning, mail it in or drop it by the church office.
OPTION 2: Click the pink ‘Give Now’ button.
OPTION 3: Sign up at Vanco.com or use our mobile app – Vanco Mobile Faith Engagement and set up a recurring Current Pledge donation. Find us on the app by searching First Church, Glastonbury. (It’s not case sensitive, but you must have the comma after First Church and no space after Glastonbury.)
· Let Rebecca in the church office know if you set up a recurring pledge, because Vanco doesn’t alert us when this type of pledge is made.
OPTION 4: Give through electronic funds transfer (EFT) through a monthly bank draft set up by Rebecca in the church office. The form can be downloaded from our website and is easy to complete and return. You can choose to have the withdrawal occur on the 1st or 15th of each month.
FYI: Our online tools (website, QR code and Vanco Mobile) allow you to use your banking information or credit/debit cards. When using credit/debit cards, please offset the fees so 100% of your donation helps First Church – we appreciate it when you do!
Pledging & giving are related but different!
While both pledging and giving involve important dedication to and support of First Church, they differ significantly. A pledge is an estimate of financial support for the year, which runs from January through December. Typically, church offerings are paid in increments – weekly, monthly or quarterly – or they can also be paid in one lump sum.
Thank you for sharing your time, talent and treasure with our church!
Together, we are a faithful, generous and compassionate church!
