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HOW FULL IS YOUR FINANCIAL CUP?

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This guide is a tool for reflection, not judgment. Choose the description that most closely fits your current financial reality.

 

My Financial Cup Runneth Over

  • I am employed or retired with income and wealth that consistently exceed my basic needs (food, housing, transportation, health). Debt, if any, does not affect my choices.

  • I may own multiple properties and/or have significant investments.

  • My household can afford multiple vehicles and frequent travel, including premium options.

  • I never avoid medical care due to cost.

  • I regularly spend on dining, cultural activities, and other discretionary purchases.

  • I can take regular vacations and time away from work without financial strain.

 

My Financial Cup is Full

  • I am employed or retired with enough income to reliably meet my basic needs. Debt, if any, does not significantly limit my choices.

  • I own my home or rent comfortably by choice. My household has at least one car.

  • I have access to health care and do not avoid it due to cost.

  • I can regularly afford discretionary spending such as dining out, entertainment, and clothing.

  • I can take vacations and time off without financial hardship.

 

My Financial Cup is Adequate

  • I am employed or retired with enough income to generally meet my basic needs.

  • Debt may be present but does not prevent meeting essentials.

  • I have access to transportation and health care, though I may limit or delay some non-urgent care due to cost.

  • I have some savings and am not usually living paycheck to paycheck.

  • I can occasionally afford discretionary spending.

  • Vacations are periodic and require planning.

 

My Financial Cup is Limited

  • I have difficulty consistently meeting my basic needs (food, housing, transportation).

  • Debt significantly affects my ability to meet those needs.

  • Housing or transportation may be unstable or limited.

  • I may be unemployed or under-employed and may qualify for public assistance.

  • I have little or no savings.

  • Discretionary spending is generally not possible, and time off or travel would create financial strain.

WHAT IS YOUR PARTICIPATION IN CONGREGATION LIFE?

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Where do you see yourself in the descriptions here? People participate in congregational life in different ways and at different times. These descriptions are offered as a guide for reflection, not judgment. You may not fit neatly into one of these categories, and that’s okay. Choose the one that best reflects your current relationship with the congregation, or the one you aspire to.

 

If you would like to explore ways to deepen your participation at Chalice, you are invited to schedule a conversation with Rev. Sharon using her online scheduler at https://calendly.com/revsharonwylie or by sending her an email to find a time.

 

Core

  • I play a significant role in the life of the congregation. I may hold a formal or informal leadership role and help shape or sustain the community’s direction.

  • I participate regularly in worship and congregational life.

  • Pledging is an expression of my spiritual values.

 

Active

  • I am consistently involved in congregational life. I attend worship most weeks and may participate in groups, committees, RE, or volunteer roles.

  • I contribute time and energy beyond Sunday when I am able.

  • Pledging is one of the ways I contribute to the health of the congregation.

 

Steady

  • I attend worship occasionally or seasonally. My involvement is primarily as a participant: attending services, bringing children to programs, or joining occasional events.

  • I am a consistent presence, though I do not usually take on ongoing leadership or volunteer roles.

  • Pledging is an expression of the gratitude I have for the congregation.

 

Resting

  • My participation is minimal right now due to life circumstances or capacity, but the congregation remains important to me.

  • I feel connected to the congregation’s mission and values and want to support its continued presence.

  • Pledging is a way I stay connected to a community that still matters to me.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

 

This chart is a guide to help you align your giving with both your financial capacity (“financial cup”) and your level of participation in the life of Chalice. Find where those two meet, and use the suggested range as a starting point for your own decision. Your pledge is always a personal choice, and we are grateful for your support at every level.

 

The percentages in the chart below are based on your adjusted gross income. This number is found on your IRS form 1040. Make adjustments for life circumstances such as these:

Add

  • Tax-exempt pensions and annuities

  • Tax-free income

  • Depreciation on rental property

  • Other

Subtract

  • Non-reimbursed major medical

  • Care of parent(s)

  • Costs of higher education
  • Costs of childcare
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EVERY AMOUNT COUNTS

​Chalice congregants have a wide range of financial circumstances. Some are working and earning, some live on fixed incomes, some are stretched thin, and some have more than they need. Whatever your situation, financial support of Chalice is a meaningful way to sustain our shared community.​

Pledging and membership: A pledge of $100 is required for voting membership per year, per person. Members in financial hardship may request a waiver of the annual financial pledge by meeting with Rev. Sharon Wylie.

Our median pledge is $1,800 per year. This means that half of our donors pledge up to $1,800 annually, and half pledge $1,800 or more. Every pledge matters, and every amount makes a difference.

 

In the chart below, each slice represents one quarter of our total pledged income. The chart illustrates how many gifts, at different levels, make up each quarter of our overall giving.

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