An Invitation to Help Grow Our Giving Tree

As we launch “Rooted and Growing,” our pledge drive for the upcoming 2024-2025 fiscal year, we are again using the image of a beautiful, deeply rooted Giving Tree to symbolize the campaign’s progress. We introduced the tree last year during our ambitious and highly successful pledge drive as we were in search for our first full-time settled minister, culminating in calling Rev. Heather to our pulpit.

We’ve set another ambitious goal of $267,000 for our FY24-25 campaign. The 9% increase over last year’s goal reflects our continuing commitment to providing just compensation for our staff and spiritual vision and leadership for our congregation, including developing more adult religious exploration, increasing our presence in the community, and continuing our justice ministry. Staff compensation and benefits account for about 70% of the budget. 

About 83% of the funds supporting the annual operating budget comes from pledges by our members and friends. Your generosity this year continues to be crucial for us to grow and thrive.

For each pledge, we will add a colorful leaf to the bare branches of the Giving Tree; and by the end of our campaign, our tree’s abundant foliage will be a powerful representation of your, and our collective, generosity.

If you are new to Theodore Parker Church, please consider making a pledge to support our shared ministry that we hope gives you spiritual sustenance and community. If you are already a pledger, please consider increasing your pledge to support our shared future. If we all make a commitment, we will surely reach or exceed our financial goal, ready to continue our journey with strong roots and continued growth.

We invite you to pledge online or to submit a pledge card, available on Sundays and by request to our office administrator. 

In the spirit of love,

Rev. Heather Concannon, members of the Board, and the Stewardship Team

What does the operating budget pay for?

Pledges from members and friends made during our annual spring pledge drive support 83% of the church’s operating budget. The operating budget pays for the church’s day-to-day expenses. Learn more about the operating budget.

How will Theodore Parker Church reach its pledge goal?

We are deeply grateful to all who pledge their financial support to the church, at all giving levels. This Gift Table shows that if we each make a pledge that fits our individual circumstances, we can achieve our goal of $267,000 — a 9% increase over the current year’s pledges — to support staff compensation and church operations.

How much should I pledge?

Your pledge is more than a dollar figure. It is also an expression of what the church means to you. These suggested guidelines for giving to the annual operations of Theodore Parker Church take into consideration the range of income and personal commitment of our members and friends.

Make a pledge.

The Stewardship Team encourages you to submit your pledge online. Pledging online helps streamline the church’s record keeping and saves administrative time while maintaining confidentiality.

If you prefer to submit your pledge on a pledge card, please contact our administrator in the church office (617-325-4439 or office@tparkerchurch.org) and we will mail one to you. Pledge cards are also available on Sundays and during office hours.

Members and friends choose a variety of methods to fulfill their pledges:

• Donate securely online by credit card or electronic funds transfer from your bank. You can set up recurring weekly or monthly payments if that is easiest for you.
• Mail your check payable to Theodore Parker Church to P.O. Box 320001, West Roxbury, MA 02132.
• Set up regular payments using your bank’s bill pay service.
• Place your pledge donations in the collection basket during in-person worship services.
• Donate appreciated stock.
• If you are age 70½ or older: Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) directly from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). This method can reduce your taxable income.

Questions? Please contact the Stewardship Team at stewardship@tparkerchurch.org.

Allison Bayer, Gretchen Dietz, John Lambert, and Bill O’Connor