Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church: Wilmington, DE

          Giving 2012          Pledging Q&A         Pledge Forms         Online Giving

What is Pledge 2012?

Pledge 2012 is the annual giving campaign for Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church. It begins mid-October and culminates with Consecration Sunday on October 30, 2011. We ask you to pledge early and make Red Clay a priority! Nearly 80 percent of the entire operating budget for January 2012 – December 2012 is dependent on the generous pledges of our congregation.

What is different about this year’s pledge card?

If you have pledged in the past at RCCPC, you will notice some differences with this year’s pledge card.

Multi-year pledges: As we grow into God’s future as a congregation, we envision a larger youth program, added uses for our expanded facilities, and even more ministries aimed at D.A.T. (Doing Awesome Things). This, of course, requires our finance team to plan well into the future, and so for that purpose, we ask that you consider pledging not only for 2012, but for 2013 and 2014, as well.

Electronic payment options: Many members of our congregation have asked for the ability to give via credit card, debit card, or electronically from their checking or savings card. This year we have been able to make this possible. More information is available in the questions and answers below.

How can I give to RCCPC electronically?

This year we are happy to announce a new service that allows the congregation to give via credit card, debit card, or EFT (electronic funds transfer) from a checking or savings account. If you check the option on your paper pledge card, we will contact you with more details. Or, if you’d like, you can go to Vanco Services' website yourself by clicking here.

At the Vanco website, you will be asked to create an account with your email address and a password. Once you have done this and logged into your new account, you will be able to set up a one-time or recurring (weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually) contribution starting on a date you choose (it must be a weekday).

The option for electronic fund giving is currently available through the Vanco website for operating fund pledges only. If you would also like to arrange for electronic fund giving of your existing capital campaign pledge giving please call the church office.

What is a recurring donation and what are the benefits?

A recurring donation is a donation set up to occur automatically on a regularly scheduled basis. The benefits of setting up a recurring donation include:

• Reducing check writing for frequent donors
• Allowing donations to continue uninterrupted during absences
• Allowing donations to be spread out over time
• Reducing administrative costs for RCCPC
• Consuming fewer resources than paper check processing

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Who participates? Why is my pledge needed?

Your pledge is the fiscal foundation of our next year at Red Clay. All members, friends, and newcomers are asked to pledge financial support to fund our ministers and staff salaries, programs, administrative costs and facilities costs for our historic church. Please increase your pledge this year.

What is the goal of Pledge 2012?

We have two goals for this year’s pledge:

1. 100% response from the congregation. Whether you’re able to increase your pledged amount from last year or you choose not to pledge anything at all, we ask that you complete your pledge card and return it to the church. In this way, we can all respond to God’s call.
2. Raise $680,349 in pledges. This figures represents a 9% increase from last year’s pledged amount that we think will be necessary to continue the many good things and many activities we are enjoying at RCCPC.

If everyone gives generously, we will raise the money that is needed to maintain Red Clay’s current level and quality of services, programs and staffing.

What are the goals of next year’s budget?

We have identified several key budgetary goals for 2012:

• Continue to support the growth of our children and youth ministry programs
• Enhance our mission efforts locally, regionally, and globally
• Provide for the additional maintenance and utility needs of our expanding facility

How much should I pledge?

The apostle Paul says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion” (2 Corinthians 9:7). We might think, then, that the apostle is giving us liberty to be as selfish as we like. But curiously, this verse is situated in the middle of a passage urging Christians to give generously (vv 6-15). How can this be? Paul’s point is not to give license for selfishness, but to cultivate a love of generosity within his listeners. He does not want to “hold their hands” through the giving process. Rather, he wants them to feel free, creative and excited to give. We therefore urge you to consider giving what is possible and feels meaningful to you.

What are other people pledging?

Red Clay is a generous congregation! The average pledge was $1,576. One in two families increased their pledge last year, averaging total pledge amounts of $2,867.

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Who is pledging?

Red Clay is fortunate to have over 275 families giving generously to our annual pledge drive. We have had pledge givers as young as 16, but the bulk of our pledge support comes from our 40 – 60 year olds.

I have a limited income, what should I pledge?

Know that you are always welcome at Red Clay. If you’re out of work, have a modest income, or are facing demands on your resources, please pledge what you are able.

I’m doing well, what should I pledge?

If you attend Sunday services, are involved in Red Clay programs, activities or committee work, and/or if you have children in Sunday School or Youth Group, and these Red Clay connections are important in your life, then please consider giving more than we have requested.

When should I make my pledge?

Most members of the congregation will receive and turn in their pledge cards on Consecration Sunday which is October 30, 2011. If you’re not able to attend church services on Consecration Sunday or you would like to pledge early, then pledge cards will be made available at a table in Founders’ Hall following services on October 23.

When does my pledge need to be paid?

Your pledge payment begins January 1, 2012. It should be paid in full by December 31, 2012. Please consider having your pledge deducted regularly using our new electronic payment feature.

What happens if I can’t complete my pledge?

We certainly hope you will complete your pledge since we rely upon it to pay our staff and fund our programs. Should there be a change throughout the year which adversely affects your financial capability to satisfy your pledge, we ask only that you notify a pastor.

Where does my pledge money go?

This church year, 55% of the budget pays salaries and benefits for full-time and part-time staff. 33% of our budget supports program costs for music, Religious Education, social action, ministries and our per capita assessment to the Presbyterian Church USA, while 12% covers our “cost of doing business” (administration operations, utilities, insurance, and building maintenance).

What about the Sunday loose plate offering?

We appreciate Sunday offerings, but they represent only 1% of Red Clay income. If you are a visitor, we thank you. If this is your pledge, please use your envelopes so that we can credit you. If you are a regular participant at Red Clay, please pledge — you rely on Red Clay, and Red Clay needs to rely on you.

What is Per Capita?

Red Clay is supported by the New Castle Presbytery and by the Presbyterian Church USA. Per capita is a per-member contribution that congregations make to higher governing bodies to defray their administrative and program costs. Red Clay Creek Presbyterian Church is assessed $33 per member by the presbytery. Examples of the support Red Clay gets from presbytery include such functions as: providing interim pastors, assistance in finding permanent staff, and ordaining pastors. Even if you individually do not pay your Per Capita, Red Clay is obligated to pay on your behalf. Please pay your Per Capita and permit us to use your pledge dollars for RCCPC programs.

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What about the time I contribute?

Your volunteer efforts are appreciated! You understand the value of our staff, our building, and the things that we do for each other and for the rest of the world. All of these efforts require money as well as our time. Please pledge and make Red Clay your priority.

I have some additional questions. Who can I ask?

There will be a table in Founders Hall on both October 16th and 23rd. There will be people available to answer any questions you might still have about pledging. Please stop by! And, as always, your pastors are happy to help you, as well.

Thank you for your generous pledge!

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