Our annual stewardship campaign is a time when members and friends make a commitment to support UUCSH during the upcoming fiscal year. We call that commitment a “pledge.” Our 2025 stewardship campaign ran from March 16 to April 13.  While the campaign is over, new members or anyone who missed the campaign can still use the button below to make a pledge for 2025-26 Fiscal Year. 

UUCSH is completely member-supported. All our expenses—staff salaries, program supplies and building costs (e.g., mortgage and utilities)—are paid out of the donations of generous members and friends. Pledges allow us to plan that spending, which can be particularly important when hiring staff. Pledges are not binding. If you have a change in circumstances, whether due to job loss or lottery windfall, just contact the treasurer and your pledge will be adjusted. 

How much should I pledge?

If you are new to UUCSH, you may be asking “How much should I pledge?” The answer may depend on your financial circumstances. For some, a few hundred dollars is extremely generous, while others can afford to donate thousands. We offer a guideline of 3.5% of “Adjusted Gross Income,” a level that varies with wealth and that enables us to fund the mission of UUCSH. Over the last few years, the median pledge has been about $2,000. We hope that our members and friends are excited about UUCSH and excited to be supporting our mission.

When do I pay my pledge?

A pledge made now is for the Fiscal Year 2025-26, which runs from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. You should plan to pay your pledge (via donation to UUCSH) over the course of that year. Some make a single donation at some point during the year, and some donate quarterly, monthly or even weekly. UUCSH is happy to accept whatever works best for you. 

How do I pay my pledge?

The How to Give page has lots of information about the different ways that donations can be made. An additional approach—that we make available specifically for pledges—is to have us arrange automatic monthly withdrawals from your checking account via our partner Vanco. If you are interested, fill out the Electronic Giving Form and return it (along with a voided check) to the Treasurer. After July 1, 2025, the number of months remaining will be less than the normal 12.

Feel free to consult with the treasurer ([email protected]) if you are unsure about the details on the form.

How do I return my pledge form?

When you are ready, click on the link below and fill out our digital pledge form!

Information about your pledge will go to the Treasurer ([email protected]), who should confirm your pledge within a few days.

What if I have questions?

Our Officers and Members of the Board of Trustees have all been pledging for several years and most have been fielding questions during Stewardship Campaigns. They would be happy to talk to you about your financial commitment to UUCSH. Or you can reach out to the UUCSH Treasurer, at [email protected].

Finally, what happens during Stewardship?

While a pledge is welcome at any time of year, especially from new members, the spring Stewardship Campaign is the time when UUCSH tries to get every one of its members and donating friends to declare their donation intent for the following fiscal year. 

During Stewardship, this web page highlights what the congregation is doing, what we are planning, and why we are excited about supporting UUCSH in the upcoming fiscal year. This information, for the 2025 Stewardship Campaign, is shown below.

2025 Stewardship Campaign: Rooted in Love

Our 2025 stewardship campaign began on Sunday, March 16. Read more about it in the description on this page.

This year, our Stewardship Campaign is titled “Rooted in Love.” Stewardship is a time to reflect on why we’ve chosen UUCSH as our spiritual home. It calls us to consider how UUCSH enriches our lives and the lives of the community around us. Part of this consideration is deciding how we can give back to our beloved faith community with our time, talents, and funds.

Because we are rooted in love, we are confident that the resilient tree that is our congregation will withstand these challenging times. Our UUCSH community offers hope and connection to its members. We have many visitors and new members joining us to take shelter under our boughs. In a time of national upheaval, we are cultivating enduring strength and resolve; we are poised to be a force for liberal religion in Somerset County and further our mission to Explore Spirituality, Engage Community, and Transform the World.

The strong roots of our congregation include Community, Worship, Social Action, Leadership and Religious Education. These roots nourish beautiful branches representing the amazing things we do together to improve ourselves and the world:

• Expanded religious education for children and youth
• Active and vibrant new members
• Impactful Social Action work, including recertification as a Welcoming Congregation and Green Sanctuary;
• Several active, small interest-based and identity-based groups for exploring spirituality
• A beloved music program
• Rev. Cynthia’s thought-provoking worship services and new and well-attended adult religious education offerings (not to mention her exceptional vegan baked goods!)

There are many exciting opportunities ahead, as we continue to strengthen our connections to each other and our community. The question is: How much “financial fertilizer” will we be able to provide? While love is at the center of everything we do, it’s how we translate that love into dollars that will determine the kinds of programming we can offer.

Information on how to pledge is below. The accompanying page describes our Stewardship request: UUCSH is asking everyone to consider whether they meet UUA Fair Share guidelines, and to move up a range, when possible, to help secure our financial sustainability. It also has information about the UUCSH budget and the UUA guidelines. One of our Stewards will be in touch soon to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your continued generosity, which helps our roots grow deeper and our branches reach higher!

Key Stewardship Dates in 2025

Stewardship Kickoff: March 16

Pledge Sunday: April 13

Stewardship Campaign Ends: April 13

Our Annual Meeting: May 18