Rejoice in God's Gifts of Abundance!

"Rejoice in God's Gifts of Abundance!" is the theme of this year's campaign, which calls us to celebrate the bounty of the earth, the love we feel from God and one another, and the peace we find through a life everlasting. As Christians, we know that God gives us all that we will ever need. Yet we are torn apart by the conflict between our attraction to the good news of God's abundance and the power of our belief in scarcity. All too often, fear of want stands in the way of our generosity and pulls us away from the grace of God. But just as belief in scarcity can put barriers between us, acknowledgement of God's gifts of abundance can lead us to strengthen our relationships with God and each other through giving in response. We can show our love for God and our trust in God's gifts of abundance by giving freely or our own financial resources.

The 2005 Stewardship Season: Preparing for 2006

October 23rd, 2005, marked the start of 2006 stewardship campaign at Huguenot Memorial Church. During November and December, Huguenot members and friends are being asked to make financial commitments to the church for the 2006 calendar year. In November, Pledge Cards were mailed all members and friends with a letter describing this year's campaign. Many people responded by making their pledges on November 13, which was Pledge Dedication Sunday. Thank you!

In December, the Stewardship Committee turns to thank those who have pledged and to reach out to those who have not yet done so. Even now, a Pledge Card can be filled out and placed in the regular offering plate or sent directly to the church office. A pledge can also be made over the phone by calling the Stewardship Committee Chair, Alexa Ragsdale, at 738-9089 (home).

How do Pledges Fit in the Context of Huguenot Memorial Church's Budget?

What does it cost to run Huguenot? It costs about $1,000 every day to provide the basics -- utilities, heat, maintenance, staff, administration, etc. -- as we open Huguenot's doors to the congregation and community. When the costs of all the things that make the building a church are included, such as worship, music, pastoral care, youth and mission ministries -- the things we really care about -- the daily cost is over $2,000. Huguenot's operating budget for 2005 was over $775,000.

How does Huguenot pay for all this? Pledges are the most important source of revenue: about 45%. The remainder comes from tenant donations (about 35%), unplugged offerings (about 10%) and special gifts and fund-raisers (about 10%). We do not receive financial support from our Presbytery (the Hudson River Presbytery) or any other institution. Unlike some other religious institutions, Huguenot does not levy a "tax" on members. We depend on one another's generosity!

Who Pledges?

In recent years, the number of pledges has ranged between 100 and 115; in 2004 the number of pledges rose to 130. However, his means that only a little more than half of the approximately 210 member households at Huguenot typically make pledges. As a result, the cost of running Huguenot -- and of providing ministry and mission for all who wish to partake -- is borne by only a portion of our members. The average pledge in 2004 was just over $2,500; in 2003, the average pledge was $2,900. If you are a new member or have not otherwise pledged before, consider making this year your first!

Participation is critically important. This year's theme emphasizes that pledging is not just a financial but a spiritual act: pledging is a response to the abundance (material and spiritual) that God provides. By pledging, we dedicate ourselves to our faith, our community, and our mission - we Rejoice in God's Gifts of Abundance!

Ways of Pledging & Forms of Gifts

Even now, a Pledge Card can be filled out and placed in the regular offering plate or sent directly to the church office at 901 Pelhamdale Rd., Pelham, NY 10803. Here is an that can be printed!

A pledge can also be made over the phone by calling Alexa Ragsdale at 738-9089 (home); she is the Chair of your Stewardship Committee.

Gifts can take several forms, whether connected with a pledge or not. Cash and checks, of course, can be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the church office. However, you may wish to consider the following possibilities:
• Securities: If you hold securities which would result in a long-term capital gain if sold, you may be able to make an outright gift to Huguenot and realize substantial tax savings. Thus, the actual cost to you may be far less than the benefit of your gift to Huguenot.
• Personal Property: A gift of real estate, artwork, or other appreciated property can result in significant capital gains tax savings to the donor.
• Planned Gifts: "Planned gifts," such as charitable annuities, trusts, and bequests, can be a significant part of financial planning and an effective way to provide longer-term support to Huguenot.

In each case, please call the church office at (914) 738-3488 so that Huguenot's Treasurer, Mark Stanich, can respond with further information. Please also consult with your tax advisor.

Endowment

The Church's endowment consists of those funds received by the Church over the years through wills, estates, bequests, etc., which are prudently and professionally managed. The purpose of the Endowment Fund is to prepare for the future by having additional special income generated through wise investment.

Some information on this web site is in .pdf format. In order to view this content, please download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader here.