Frequently Asked Questions
What is pledging at Mill Creek?
A pledge is a formal declaration that you will give a specific amount of money to your church over one calendar year. It has no legal binding, but is a promise that you make to your faith community so that the real work of the mission can be done. Your financial commitments allow salaries to be paid to professional staff, to keep the facility open and running smoothly, and to fund programs that support our mission.
How is pledging different than membership dues or charity?
Because you are making a promise to your faith community, pledging is different from membership dues at a club or gym. There is no set amount; we give what we are inspired to give.
As Rev. Greg says, he is “a minister among ministers” here at Mill Creek. When you make a pledge, you are fulfilling your role as a minister because you are ministering to the church, its members and friends, and the community we serve. Offering a pledge allows you to show yourself and the world what you value. It is a spiritual practice that involves meditating on your resources, how you seek to live in the world, and just what role Mill Creek has in your life.
Pledging to the church can be itemized as a charitable deduction (but we suggest you consult with a tax advisor), however it is not charity in the traditional sense. Charity is giving to those in need. It assumes a donor/donee relationship. When we pledge our money to mill Creek, we are not giving to those in need; we are giving money to a mission that spiritually sustains us and encourages us to live our values.
What is the pledging process like at Mill Creek?
We have just begun our 2019 Generosity Campaign by mailing pledge cards to Mill Creek members and friends. You can complete your pledge card and bring to church (place in the collection plate or in the collection box on the wall by the sanctuary entrance) or mail it — by Monday, November 12. OR…we recommend you log into your REALM account and pledge online — it’s fast and easy. Contact the church office with any questions, administrator@uusmc.org.