Annual Giving Chair Christine Heath and Rev. Molly report that our stewardship campaign for the 2025-26 fiscal year was extremely successful. The total pledged exceeded the aggressive goal of a 9% increase over current year pledges, allowing us to increase our budget from $327,000 this year to more than $356,000 for the next fiscal year starting July 1. Here is a summary of pledging for 2025-26:

• Total pledges increased from $306,811 to $351,101, an increase of 12.5%.
• The number of pledging units increased from 118 to 128. Of the 128 pledges, 18 were first-time pledges, and more than 60 were increased pledges.
• The 68 online pledges included 7 first-time pledges and 40 increased pledges
• 66% of those who pledged online increased their pledges between 5% and 15%.

The goal of a 9% increase in giving sought to fully fund our congregation’s growing budgetary needs, including a long-deferred compensation increase for our staff. With the actual pledging increase of 12.5%, we will be able to not only live our values well as an employer, but also meet increasing required costs like insurance and utilities, and provide funds for new, revitalized, and emerging ministry programs.

Rev. Molly said: “I am especially moved by this result as it stands in stark contrast to the deadly austerity and cuts to social services we see at the state and federal level this year. Our congregation has responded to that reality with courage and commitment. This result, created by every single gift of every size, communicates a sense of abundance and an investment in the way we want to live together, with love at the center and care for the collective reaching out. It shows us that we can thrive together, even and especially now.”

Christine and Molly thanked the congregation you for its support. Rev. Molly also thanked the entire Stewardship Team for the successful campaign, and she gave extra big thanks to Christine for chairing the team and to Kevin Fritsche for coordinating an extremely effective steward follow-up process.