Prepare to Pledge

 For some of the things we do, preparation doesn’t matter very much.  When I throw on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt so I can pull weeds in the garden, it doesn’t matter if they’re color-coordinated.  In fact, to some extent, the shabbier they are, the better.  But when I dress for an important dinner or party, and even when I dress to go to Second Church, I don’t feel right if my trousers aren’t pressed and my shoes aren’t polished.  I take my suit to the cleaners, and I polish my shoes, not on the day I have to put them on, but in advance, so I’ll be ready when the big day comes.

 The Big Day for Second Church is coming soon, and the sooner we prepare, and the more we plan, the better we’ll feel about ourselves.  We intend to give in proportion to our income and in consideration of the Church’s need.  It’s just that sometimes, when the pledge card is in front of us, and the pen is in our hand, we haven’t prepared.  We haven’t analyzed our ability to give.  We haven’t taken time to think about our own need to give.

 Yes, the Church needs increased pledge income, lots of it.  The work we pay for through our Benevolence program requires more income, lots of it.  But most of all, we need to give.

 Be Prepared.

 Your Stewardship Committee

How Much Should I Give?

Members of our church have requested guidance on giving.  The following guide is based on UCC information, which indicates that the giving levels of church members reflect their level of church involvement and income.  The UCC recommends increasing your pledge by 1% annually until you reach your desired level of support.

Basic Support - suggested for an individual or family who considers the church its religious home and who feels they are a part of the church community, participates in some church activities, or uses its basic services.

Participatory Support - suggested for an individual or family who is actively involved, makes extensive use of services such as Sunday School, Adult Education, and Youth Programs, and views the church as a channel for the expression of their social, spiritual, and family  values.

Leadership Support - suggested for an individual or family committed to the support of the church's religious initiatives and program expansion, and who use the church as the principal means of achieving personal religious objectives for themselves, the family, their community, fellow Christians, and all human beings.

The Stewardship Committee suggests that you designate at least 25% of your pledge for support of our church's wider mission.  

IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER

A new tax-saving opportunity now exists for charitable giving.  On August 17, 2006 the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA 2006) was signed into law.  This legislation encourages financial support of charitable organizations across the United States and allows for a contribution with no adverse tax effect.

Under the PPA 2006, donors who are 70½, or older can make gifts in 2007 using funds from their individual retirement accounts (IRAs and Roth IRAs) without incurring income tax on the withdrawn funds.

 . Individuals age 70½ or older
 . Funds are transferred directly from an IRA or Roth IRA
. Gifts are made on or before December 31, 2007
. Distributions up to $100,000 per year can be made in 2007
. Gifts are transferred outright to a qualified charity
. The Second Church in Newton is a qualified charity
. Even though the amount of the gift must be tax deductible as a   charitable deduction, you do not receive a charitable tax deduction   for the distribution

 If you would like to take advantage of this tax-saving opportunity, please contact Bruce Macdonald (617-332-6635) or Pat Eston (617-244-0206).  They would be happy to answer questions or help you with the process.