Each of us has an opportunity to experience a generous heart as we make a financial contribution to this religious community which enriches our lives.

Each Unitarian Universalist Church is solely responsible for funding its own programs and day-to day operations. At Cedar Lane that means we rely on our members and friends to underwrite a budget of $1,057,000 each year.

Here we answer some common questions newcomers ask about money and provide a guide to generous giving.

If you have never been a part of a Unitarian Universalist church, you probably have some questions about what financial expectations Cedar Lane has for you.

Once a year in the spring we conduct our annual pledge drive with all members and friends. We ask that newcomers and those who attend services or programs pledge or contribute to the church. We have few resources of income other than our members and friends; therefore we truly need and expect the support of all newcomers as well as our regular congregation.

 Hold on there. I’ve only been attending services at Cedar Lane for a short time and already you are asking me for money?

We ask all who participate in our services or programs, members or not, to join us in financial support of our community. As a newcomer you may have missed the pledge drive, or not felt ready to pledge at that time, but we gratefully accept mid-year pledges as well.

To provide ongoing programs, we need to have predictable revenue. Our expenses for salaries, utilities and maintenance continue regardless of attendance. We cannot budget adequately based on fluctuating collection plate contributions. Currently almost 90% of our revenue comes from pledged contributions. As a participant, we ask you to give your fair share to support Cedar Lane.

Most members and friends contribute once each month, either by placing their check in the plate on Sunday or by mailing their check to Cedar Lane. Some contribute a lump sum to cover the entire year. Occasionally we receive gifts of appreciated stock, which give significant tax benefits to the donors. The Church Administrator, Sara Deshler, can help you or direct you to people to advise you on these matters.

Charge Your Pledge Payment

Care to take advantage of mileage or other incentive programs by charging your pledge payments to Cedar Lane to a credit card?  You may do so by contacting our church accountant, Bruce Marquette, on extension 310 or by e-mail, bmarquette@cedarlane.org. As an alternative you may also go to the website for Network for Good, a nonprofit located here in Bethesda that, for a fee, processes credit card payments for charitable institutions. Their web site is www.networkforgood.org.  

At Cedar Lane we do not require a fixed pledge. However, when asked what an appropriate pledge would be, we use a rule of thumb of between 2% and 5% of household income. The average annual pledge is $1,500. Since some of our members are either early or late in their earning careers, they contribute less. That means that others, who can, contribute more. One purpose of a spiritual community is to help those in more limited circumstances. Again, the Church Administrator can direct you to people who can explain this further.

Cedar Lane is a healthy community of about 880 members. Our annual budget is approximately $1,057,000, which means it costs $1,200 per individual member to open Cedar Lane’s doors and $2,400 for a family of two members. Here is how the costs break down per member:

At this point we are primarily interested in religious education for our children. How does this impact our pledge?

It costs the Church $500 for each child enrolled in the religious education program. We ask that your pledge reflect this amount at a minimum. If you also attend some services or participate in other Church activities, we ask that your pledge take into account the cost of these activities as well.

Should a change occur in your financial status and you are unable to meet your pledge, it is possible to adjust your pledge during the fiscal year. We care about your situation, and will work with people who are having financial needs, which affect their pledge.

Those on a limited income can discuss a minimum pledge with one of the ministers.

Please obtain a pledge card at the Church. Fill it out and return it to the Church Office. We are glad to have your support and many thanks!