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UNITY Pledge Drive 2027
Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s Sonnet 43 asks the question: “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Roger Rabbit, in the animated movie, answers Jessica by counting in one thousand intervals. These things came to mind when I was pondering stewardship this autumn and this year’s theme, Believe in our Next Chapter. We are looking ahead with a solid financial foundation. Our mortgage is paid off! We can allocate funding to other areas of need because of your generosity. We have changes going on and we can manage them! Our Next Chapter starts with “Counting Our Blessings.” Whether it is a lovely poem or a silly moment in a movie, we can all count our blessings at UNITY. From the social gatherings like Fall Fest, Advent Fest, and many others, to more church-y things like our Praise Band, lay leaders, and education programs as well as the interim pastoral care and leadership we have. Our blessings here allow us to be blessings to each other and our broader community. I personally feel stronger mentally, recharged in my faith and in my own fulfillment when I am connected to UNITY. This is a big blessing that I count frequently. UNITY has been there for me. Through raising our children to celebrating a life passed. How have you been blessed?
During this Stewardship time in November, we ask that you count your blessings and help us to be a blessing to you and others. We need to have confidence in our finances. Our staff, facilities, property, and partners all rely upon it. As you know, our revenue is back loaded – we get most of our giving toward the end of the year. Our budget is set on historical trends, which means we place trust and hope in you. Please help by doing the following:
- Prayerfully consider increasing your giving by 6% so we can have our staff compensation keep up with inflation and cover increases in medical benefit costs.
- Fill out a pledge form and submit it.
- If you give electronically, go to the Vanco site and update it. Having an EFT does not equate to a pledge. If you have an EFT, it does not automatically adjust, so letting it continue will not increase it. Click on the video below to see how to complete your pledge online.
Thank you so much for your generosity. I am blessed at least once more by you!
Stephen Taipala and the Stewardship Team
Pledge On-Line
Please consider raising to this year's challenge and pledge an increase of 5-6%.
Check Your 2026 General Fund Giving
(Find your Offering Envelope number on your recent Giving Statement *click to see example)
To inquire about your 2026 giving and/or receive a giving statement contact Matt Griepentrog.
Memories and Hopes
Share a fond memory of UNITY in 2026 as well as a hope you'd like to see in 2027
Pledge Drive 2026 FAQ:
When can I submit my pledge?
Our 2027 pledge drive is from November 7 to November 25, 2026, aligning with the season of Thanksgiving and contemplation of our blessings. Also, pledges received during this time are the most helpful to UNITY’s 2027 budgeting and planning process.
Where and how do I submit a pledge?
The best way to submit your pledge is on our Website here. Printed pledge sheets are available in either the COL or CTK narthex.
Do I need my envelope number to submit a pledge?
No, as long as you fill in your mailing address, our Financial Secretary will be able to identify you and match your information to your envelope number.
Do I need to submit a pledge if I give to UNITY electronically?
YES! We’re asking all UNITY members, including those utilizing the EFT/CC giving option, to make a pledge during our appeal. The automatic nature of the EFT/CC giving is great, but tends to result in less annual increases in giving than members giving through others ways. After submitting your pledge, please update your giving amount in the Vanco page.
What are the drivers for seeking a 5-6% increase in 2027 giving?
Council diligently monitors and tracks income and expenses. We estimate that UNITY’s budget needs to grow about 6% to support our current congregational activities. The main driver is staffing costs, as staff salaries and benefits represent 70% of UNITY’s costs. Staff are essential to UNITY's success. Our wonderful staff should be properly recognized through their compensation, which includes cost of living increases and pay that matches the area’s job market. This is also important for UNITY to be competitive in hiring new staff and reaching a staffing level that supports our congregation and its ministry.
How is our staff salaries determined? How do you know what is the right level of compensation and the cost of benefits?
The ELCA Synod has salary guidelines for pastors. Synod is making a 3.5% increase to the salary guidelines as a cost-of-living adjustment. Additionally, the guidelines call for a 2% boost in salary for every year of experience gained by a pastor. Council plans to match Synod guidelines when calling future pastors, so we are planning accordingly for UNITY’s 2027 salary expenses. On the benefits side, the ELCA’s provider has announced that health insurance will be increasing 15% for 2027.
How does property maintenance and improvements fit in the 2027 budget?
All other expenses are expected to increase about 4% in 2027, in-line with inflation. The great news is that paying off the mortgage and eliminating the debt service payments opens up about $62,000 in 2027. The council will likely propose in the 2027 budget that those savings be used to increase property team’s budget.
Who do I contact with questions or issues in submitting my pledge or updating my electronic giving?
Feel free to email Mark Hilgart, our financial secretary, or Matt Griepentrog by clicking on their name. Thank you for your continued support of UNITY!
Print Plege Form
If you prefer to fill out a paper form instead of online:
Download a Pledge Form
Fill out the form, seal it in an envelope, and return by,
Christ the King Campus
4600 Pilgrim Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
Cross of Life Campus
20700 W. North Avenue
Brookfield, WI 53045
Print EFT Form
If you prefer to to give through automatic deductions:
You must submit a NEW Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Form if,
Download A NEW EFT Form
You can submit a SHORT Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Form if,
you continue to use the same bank account.
Download A a SHORT EFT Form
Fill out the form, seal it in an envelope, and return by,
UNITY Lutheran Church
UNITY Lutheran Church - Cross of Life Campus, 20700 W. North Avenue, Brookfield, WI 53045
UNITY Lutheran Church - Christ the King Campus, 4600 Pilgrim Road, Brookfield, WI 53005
Phone: (262) 781-7600