Sample Letter About Stewardship

Sample letter about stewardship to be given to prospective members at New Unitarian Universalist (UU) classes and to be sent immediately after joining, along with a pledge card and letter from the membership chair.

And Now a Brief Word About Time and Money

When you become a member of this church (or when you've simply been around long enough to be one of us) you will be invited to contribute your time and financial resources.

Both are important. Churches exist because friends and members do the necessary volunteer work and pay the bills. If everyone does a little of the work it gets done in good order. Some teach religious education. Others serve on committees or come to work parties. It becomes a way to not only help the church, but to get to know others.

And if everyone makes a responsible financial contribution our church can expand and grow, with new programs and community outreach and social justice programs. So how much is enough? We ask that you consider 3 to 5 percent of income.

We know that people are in varying life circumstances. Some are caring for elderly relatives or have health concerns or medical bills of their own. Others are between jobs. We do not ask that you place undue hardship upon yourself. Neither should your pledge be easy. Rather it should reflect a serious commitment to the place you have chosen as your spiritual home, the place where your children will be educated in religious matters, the place where you will continue your own search for religious meaning.

And this commitment works both ways. We have an obligation to help you become connected to your new community and to maintain a safe, welcome environment where your religious questioning and searching is respected and nurtured.

Pledging in Midyear: Our church year runs from July 1 to June 30. We hold an every-member canvass in the early spring when members are asked to make a financial pledge for the year which starts the following July. If you are making your first pledge as a new friend or member in midyear make your pledge for the amount of time remaining until July 1. Most friends and members find it convenient to pledge a monthly amount. In early spring you'll be asked to make another pledge, for the coming year.

If you'd like to consider gifts of stock or other types of giving that might be a bit out of the ordinary, please feel free to contact our treasurer, ___________________, with any questions you have.

We're happy that you've joined us. We welcome you to our community.

Best Wishes,
The Membership Committee