Giving
Giving is an important part of our lives and an especially important part of belonging to a faith community. We give of ourselves by simply showing up for worship and other church gatherings. We also give in more tangible ways, not by paying dues or membership fees, but by offering what we can to support the activities of Fauntleroy Church's vibrant community and our wider ministry and mission.
Every Sunday we “pass the plate” and dedicate the funds to God. We give because we believe that:
God is more gracious and generous than we know, and the way to share in the divine spirit of generosity is to give to others.
Giving to the common good is the essence of community and of being alive.
We are obliged to be good stewards of the gifts that God has entrusted to us.
Fauntleroy Church does not receive funding from the United Church of Christ denomination – we must raise enough funds on our own to cover our expenses. Members and friends of this congregation make monetary as well as time-and-talent gifts to meet this ongoing financial commitment.
Annual Financial Giving
Every spring, our stewardship campaign invites people to pledge some of their financial resources to Christ's mission for the coming year. We encourage pledging because it gives the church enough information about potential income to be intentional in shaping our annual budget – which allows us to make the greatest impact possible. Pledging is one way we give joyful thanks for all God has given us. It is, however, not required. If you are unable to commit to giving a set amount, you’re welcome to give what you can when the plate is passed.
The amount of your financial pledge is entirely up to you, as is when you pay it (weekly, monthly, annually). You may pay it by putting a check or envelope of cash in the plate during worship, or set up an automatic withdrawal with your bank – most banks offer free bill paying services online. We prefer these methods because the church is not charged a processing fee.
You may also Give Online via credit card. The church pays approximately 3% for online transactions, which you can choose to cover as part of your gift.
Planned Giving
A planned gift is a powerful and thoughtful financial donation often given after your lifetime that shares your dedication to Fauntleroy Church with future generations. By including Fauntleroy Church in your estate plan, you can leave a lasting gift that honors your faith, celebrates the friendships you’ve found here, and ensures that the church’s mission of social justice continues.
There are several different ways you can make a planned gift to Fauntleroy Church, which are outlined in our Planned Giving brochure. We’re happy to work with you and your financial or legal advisor to find the one that is right for you. If you have any questions about how Planned Gifts are accepted or used by Fauntleroy Church, please contact Pastor Leah at leah@fauntleroyucc.org or (206) 932-5600, or the Church Treasurer at treasurer@fauntleroyucc.org.
If you decide to include Fauntleroy Church in your estate plans, please let us know. We value the opportunity to express our gratitude and, at your discretion, would like to recognize you as a legacy donor.
Gifts of Time-and-Talent
In addition to financial gifts, gifts of time-and-talent are an integral part of Fauntleroy Church’s ability to support the many events and activities of our dynamic community.
Each year, church members and friends are invited to fill out an online survey that lists dozens of ways to volunteer, such as teaching Sunday school, caring for the grounds, greeting worship attendees, serving a meal to our unhoused neighbors, helping with special events, and much more. We share these offers of support with our church leadership, who may ask for your help during the year.
Thank you for your support of Fauntleroy Church!
