Part of our 5 spiritual practices is giving.
Giving of our time, talents, heart and wealth.

What is a pledge program?
A Pledge Program simplifies how your donations to the church are given and tracked. You start by making a pledge to donate an amount you declare for the next fiscal year. You also specify when you will donate (weekly, monthly, quarterly.) You can donate by automated payments from your bank, by check or by cash donations in envelopes that are identified with your name written on it.  The Core Council uses Pledges to plan its annual budget.

Where does the donated money go?
Pledge donations go into what is called “the general fund”.  This money is used to pay all ongoing, routine expenses necessary to maintain the church and property such as telephones, utilities, Children’s Church materials, salaries, yard maintenance and insurance.

How does it work?
1.Congregants/friends fill out a Pledge card and make a commitment to donate a declared amount over the course of the year. The cards are on the table as you enter the foyer.
2.When you donate, you can use an automatic check writing service from your bank, or you can use your Visa and Master Card for automatic or periodic donations toward your pledge, or envelopes found in the back of the chairs on which you write your name and donation.

Do all my donations count toward my pledge?
If you make a Pledge, then all donations will be credited toward your annual pledge.  However, if you wish to write a check to CSL for another purpose such as the “Building” then you may designate a check for that purpose.  Dinners and costs for classes and workshops are not credited toward your pledge.



Privacy: What about my privacy? What I donate is personal.
When you make a Pledge, the information is kept confidential within the church records system.  Only the Treasurer, minister and church office administrator have access to that information.  Our policy is to restrict access and respect each donor’s privacy.  The end of year financial statements that you receive are individually direct mailed straight to you.

As an added measure of privacy, you can request that your name be withheld as anonymous on any public listing of pledge donor names.

Being Obligated:  I don’t want to give a set amount.  Can’t I make a simple donation as I go?

You can make donations any time or way you like.  The church needs your support and appreciates every contribution.

We are all trustees of our church and obligated to support it as it supports us.  Making a pledge is a commitment in advance to work toward giving the church your support.  The pledge system is designed to give you the flexibility to donate when you want.  You can even change your pledge amount at any time.  The idea behind pledging is to give the church a “heads up” on what to financially expect throughout the year.

Building Fund: I already gave to the Building Fund—why pledge?
Thank you for supporting our building fund.  While we work on the building and beautifying our historic facility, we still need to “keep the doors open.”  We need to pay for maintenance and operations. When you pledge, your donations go to a general fund that supports our day to day operations of our entire church, property and employees.


What are the benefits to the church and me of pledging?

•Your pledge underscores your commitment to CSL.
•The donations support education, worship, pastoral and social
programs, and adult education which depend on financial support to flourish;
•It gives the church leadership visibility to plan more effectively
And anticipate any shortfalls;
•Pledging makes it easier for you to track your donations, receive
statements for tax purposes and donate in ways most convenient to you.

Contact our Center's office at 253-383-3151 or email with questions about our pledge program.