Eliot Unitarian Chapel Newcomer Questions

Questions About Pledging

What is a Pledge?

A pledge is a promise made by each member to financially support this Church, and the broad range of worship experiences, educational programs, community building, and social justice activities that make Eliot Chapel all that it is today.

Where Does the Money Go?

Eliot Unitarian Chapel is a self-sustaining institution; our primary source of financial support is our members.

Think for a moment about what your pledge supports.

Our campus covers almost half a city block with buildings that require heat, electricity and maintenance.

We have two Sunday services (sometimes more), planned and coordinated by a staff of dedicated professionals, whose objective is to provide a rich, meaningful and stimulating experience for members, friends, and visitors.

Religious services include a thought-provoking sermon; outstanding music, supported by professional musicians; and an educational program for our children and youth that is engaging and rewarding.

Our social justice program provides a coordinated outreach effort that touches Greater St. Louis, and the world.

Our religious education program for adults offers stimulating opportunities to learn about Unitarian Universalism, as well as a host of other life-enhancing topics.

Our communication efforts - which include a printed newsletter, email updates, and a web site - help keep you informed of the hundreds of activities that happen each year within our church community. With over 500 members and friends on our mailing list, and hundreds of visitors to our regular programs, as well as hundreds more each year who benefit from our community-wide programs, our professional staff - including ministers, program staff, clerical support, musicians, and custodians - is kept very busy.

How Often Do I Pledge?

To become a Friend of Eliot Chapel, or when you join as a new member, you are asked to make your first financial commitment to the church by completing a Pledge Card. The pledge you make with this card is for the current fiscal year (May 1 through June 30).

In the future, you will make a new pledge each spring on Canvass Sunday, during our Annual Fund Drive. That pledge will be for the following fiscal year.

How Much Should I Consider Giving Each Year?

Our current budget of over $500,000 is shared by everyone who comes through our doors and participates in our community. This equates to about $1,000 per family, annually, to operate the church and all our programs. Since each of us is at a different place financially, we ask members to consider a pledge equal to 5% of their income. For many of you, this is not a problem, and you can easily reach this commitment, or surpass it. For others, such a goal may be difficult to achieve. If so, we ask you to consider beginning your pledge at 2%, and increasing that amount by ½% each year, until you can comfortably reach 5%. This year, our average pledge has been about $1,200.

What Else Should I Consider When Making My Pledge?

What is it worth to you make sure a liberal religious presence stays in Kirkwood?

A high level of commitment - and a spirit of generosity - develop over time. They are the result of active participation.

We encourage everyone, Member and Friend, to connect with a smaller group within the church community, that matches their interest and needs.

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