Tis the Season

Written By Jonathan Krogh

Dear Pledging People:

Well, once a year or so it’s time for the pastor to write a newsletter article focusing on pledging for the coming year. Those who have become familiar with my musings know just how ambivalent I am regarding this task. I think it naïve to presume that a few paragraphs from the pastor will unlock the floodgates of your generosity, but there’s a rhythm to the seasons, and the calendar reminds us that November 16 is Commitment Sunday, the day we ask for the annual return of pledges for the coming year (although we’ll happily receive pledge cards for 2026 well into the spring).

I’ve consulted some websites that assure me their helpful templates and guidance will assist me in drafting the 'perfect ask'. So, with full transparency (recommendation number 8), here’s my pledge drive letter, using all 12 surefire steps.

1)  Make it personal: I’m talking to you—yeah, YOU! I know this is a general distribution email, but of all the people who will read this, I want you to take this personally, like I know you better than you know yourself. I know stuff about you that I’ll tell everyone if your pledge isn’t big enough. (That should do it.)

2)  Start by warming the heart: Puppies! We all love puppies, cute cuddly balls of love. Think of puppies when you fill out your pledge card; they’re adorable, and your church is dedicated to never harming a single puppy. (I’m not sure I’ll even try to appeal to cat people.) 

3)  Get to the point: Yep, we need money to operate this church. More money means more stuff, more programs and a safer building with heat and air conditioning. I listen to a lot of public radio, and they’ve successfully used the elimination of federal subsidies to gin up their fundraising mill, and last year we received even less than they did. If you’re happy with the current administration, then give more in celebration; if you’re unhappy, then give more because they eliminated federal funding for FPCLG even before our church existed. (Hope that didn’t offend anyone who was getting ready to pledge big.)

4)  Give directions: Okay, find a pledge card either in the Church Office, the Narthex, mailed to you or online here. Now, write a really big number on the line that follows, “I (we) wish to pledge the following amount for 2026.” Then bring that pledge card to church on Sunday, November 16, 2025, and put it in the offering plate or the pledge card box filled with little plants, or mail it back to the office. You could also reach out to our church accountant, Rick Foulke, to give him that big number (708.354.0771 or RFoulke@fpclg.org).

5)  Don’t be too dramatic: (I hope I didn’t overstate things with the puppies.) Our situation isn’t dire, but it will be if people stop being generous. Simply put, the more people give, the more we will have to spend on stuff that helps us do a good job. 

6)  Be organized: I spent at least 10 minutes on Saturday straightening the pledge cards in the rack next to the pledge/planter box. (That should show how personally invested I am in this campaign.)

7)  Use snail mail and email: The office staff worked really hard to mail out letters and brochures, and we’ve also included an appeal in our weekly email. I can also dig out the semaphore flags left by our former pastor and naval officer, Hank Anderson, and signal our needs at the Elm Street entrance, if you think it will help.

8)  Incentives and updates work: Over the next three months, I will personally email Rick and ask if we’ve gotten in any more pledge cards. He knows I will from past years. We will also keep you posted in weekly emails and the Annual Report. If things aren’t going well, you’ll find me quietly sobbing in my car after worship.

9)  Say thank you: Thank you.

10)  Don’t forget the details: (Let’s see—asked for money, asked for a lot of money, told people about puppies… Think I covered it.)

11)  Don’t dry up the well: If you think you’re going to give so much money that your church pledge will drive you into poverty, don’t do it. We’ll need a pledge card from you next year too. (I hope that sounds sincere.)

12)  Reminders are okay: Hey! Have you turned in your pledge card yet?

Well, there you have it. According to the fundraising website, these twelve steps should make for a perfect pledge card appeal.

Of course, I should end on a serious note, as it will give this musing the air of authenticity and grace. I remember what my dad used to say when he was working in sales: “The secret to sales is sincerity; once you can fake that, you can sell anything.”

With sincere appreciation for your continued generosity, I remain,

With Love,
Jonathan Krogh
Your Pastor

Jonathan Krogh
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Walking Through the Years