Pledging — an annual tradition and a yearly responsibility

We rely on our members, friends, newcomers and visitors to help fund our programs, salaries for ministers and staff and the day-to-day operation of our historic Meeting House.  Most of our operating budget comes from your generous pledges. 

The campaign will run for 6 weeks, culminating in Celebration Sunday, on March 4th, when everyone is invited to a wonderful morning of worship, music, and delicious foods to celebrate the wonderful community we share.

First Parish is a most generous congregation – Thank you!

Last year, your pledge support surpassed our campaign goal of $940,000.   We thank the congregation for its generosity and for keeping First Parish strong.  This is a wonderful testament to the vitality and commitment of our faith community!

This year, we seek to raise $1,020,000, an overall increase of 7.4%  from last year’s budget, to support the broad array of programs and services provided at First Parish. 

Please pledge early

You can mail (or deliver) your pledge form to First Parish in the enclosed envelope, bring it to any canvass events (if applicable) or designated coffee hours.  On the Web at www.firstparish.org, you will find all the forms and information required to pledge or to donate stock.

Make First Parish a priority

With your generous pledge and 100% participation of all parishioners in this campaign, we will raise money to address these budget goals:

• Maintain First Parish’s current level and quality of services, programs, salaries
• Continue to bring up our ministers and staff up to salaries they deserve according to  UUA Fair Compensation guidelines  
• Continue to reinstate our fair share contribution to the UUA and Mass Bay District
• Fund important maintenance of the Meeting House and its grounds until the Capital Campaign construction begins

Please use the Fair Share Giving Table as your guide for determining your pledge commitment.  It is based on our pledge data history, range of Concord-area household incomes, UUA guidelines and the needs of the First Parish community.

As you consider your pledge, we ask you to reflect on the value of your connections here.  What is special about First Parish to you?  What personal connections did you make or rekindle in 2006?   Did you attend worship services on Sundays?  Do you participate in Small Group Ministry?   How did you seek your spiritual interests?  Are you a member of the Choir or an affinity group or the Women’s Parish Association? Do you love to cook for the Caring Connection or organize food for Common Cathedral? Have you offered your talents to the Jericho Road Project or to the Social Action Committee?  Have you volunteered as a solicitor for the Capital Campaign or to teach in Religious Education’s new workshop rotation for our elementary age children?  Are you involved with our Transylvania Partner Church?   How have your children grown at First Parish?  Do your teens love Youth Group on Sunday evenings?  Do you make it a point never to miss Coming of Age Sunday in May? What dreams do you have for the coming year?

There is so much to be grateful for.  The benefits go on and on.

Thank you for your generosity!

Please pledge early and make First Parish a priority!

Dave Dawson and Cynthia Ellis, co-chairs 

Pledge*2008 Committee
Margaret Adams
Mary Ellen Connell
George Gagliardi
Susan Galford
Kate Keleher
Jennifer Jacoby
David Knauss
David Quimby
John Sheffield

Click here for a printable pledge form