2007 Pledge Report

Our voting members for 2007 totaled 47 adults. Pledged members for the year 2007 totaled 65, with pledges of $37,796 for an average of $581/pledged member. This reflects an increase of $114 in average pledging from the previous year. $46,509.80 were actually received, + $8,713.80 more than it was pledged, increasing also and the average donation to $716/pledged member, + $135/pledged member, more than average pledged.

The difference in number of pledged members and number of voting members in 2006 is attributable to the following: Several of those who completed pledge forms failed substantially to fulfill the minimum pledge requirement, both spiritually and financially, while some members enrolled after the pledging period. Many of them failed substantially to fulfill their pledge commitments. There are 5 pledge members who failed to fulfill their commitments with an amount of up to $100/person, with a total amount of $200; and 17 other pledge members who substantially failed to fulfill their commitments with an amount from $100 - $390/person, with a total amount of $3,299.20. Bringing these numbers together it gives us a grim figure of 22 members who failed on their pledges, representing more than 3/4 (33.84%) of contributing pledged members; with a totaling amount of $3,499.20 less to the budget, representing 9.26% of total pledge amount for 2007. Analyzing carefully the above numbers and situation, it tells us that these 22 members are putting the burden to the rest of church's members who unfairly are paying way too much, trying to cover the expenses of the church, while the factors such as space, facilities, utilities, and time are the same for all.

The Parish Council has once again prepared a budget for 2008 based on the actual pledges received as of February 5, 2008 from 57 adults. Pledges received as of this writing for 2008, totaling: $36,940, reflecting a decrease of - $856 less than it was pledged in 2007; averaging: $648/pledged member, reflecting an increase of + $67/pledged member more than the average pledge from 2007.

The raise of the membership seems to ameliorate the financial situation of the church. However the effectiveness of this factor has been diminished by the lack of responsibility shown by members who failed in their commitments, as well as to the fact that a number of other members are reducing the membership pledge to only one member per household, despite the fact that they continue to come in church together and use the facilities at the same extent with those who pay their dues regularly.

In summary, the gap between the amounts of anticipated vs. unanticipated giving is widening, making planning and budgeting extremely difficult, and resulting in periodic cash shortfalls which throw the Parish into temporary financial crisis.

Summary of Pledge Giving 1999-2007

* 1999: Minimum pledge of $300 / adult was instituted.

** 2006: Minimum pledge of $500 / adult was instituted.

***This is the percentage of our expenses that is met by our pledges received.

Submitted by:

Simona Kacso

2007 Parish Council Secretary