2027 Pledge Drive
2027 Pledge Drive Letter
November 2026
Dear Members and Friends of the North Universalist Chapel Society,
Eight years ago, I walked through the doors of this congregation at a time when my life was changing in ways I never expected. I was looking for connection, for some sense of safety, and perhaps simply for somewhere I could catch my breath.
I found a community.
At first, Sunday mornings gave me something I desperately needed: a place where my daughter could be safe and welcomed while I had a little time to breathe, listen, sing, and process. When I needed practical help, people here showed up for me. I experienced kindness and generosity that I will never forget.
But somewhere along the way, this stopped being simply the place I came because I needed support.
It became home.
Over these eight years, I have grown so much. I have found safety and connection. I have built confidence and self-worth. I have learned that I can fall apart here without being judged -and that I can be supported while finding my own way forward.
But I don't come here only to fall apart. I come here to be nurtured. I come to sing and laugh and celebrate, to learn and question, to be challenged and inspired. I come so that my daughter can grow up surrounded by people who care about her and give her room to become herself. And sometimes, I come simply to warm myself.
I've also come to appreciate how much bigger this congregation is than what happens on Sunday morning.
Walk through the building during the week and it is alive with community: music lessons, programs for young children after school, meetings for organizations such as The Hub and Sustainable Woodstock, men's and women's groups, book clubs, meditation groups, and so much more. People gather here to learn, support one another, make music, share ideas, build friendships, and strengthen the wider community.
To me, this is what a congregation can be at its best - not simply a place we go, but a place that makes community possible.
That is what I am pledging to sustain.
My pledge is more than a contribution toward keeping the lights on. It is my way of helping sustain the community that has sustained me, and a space that serves so many people in so many different ways.
Eight years ago, I came here because I needed something.
Today, I give because I have found something worth sustaining.
I hope you will think about what this congregation has given you—not only in the difficult moments, but in the ordinary ones, the joyful ones, and the moments when you have discovered a little more of who you are.
And I hope you'll join me in giving what you can to help ensure that this remains a place where we can gather, grow, celebrate, support one another, and make community together.
Thank you,
Jayne Hufferdine
2027 Stewardship Pledge FAQs
What is a Stewardship Pledge?
Your pledge is a voluntary commitment to contribute a specific amount of money to your church.
When you fill out the pledge form, you’re letting the Treasurer know what level of financial commitment you would like to make in the coming year.
Why is making a pledge so important? Just as you need to know how much income you’ll have available to cover your expenses for the year, the Board needs the same kind of information to manage the church’s finances. The total pledge amount enables the board to determine how much annual income to expect, allowing them to balance income against anticipated expenses for operating the church. At the Annual Meeting in January the membership will vote on the 2027 budget. The budget includes the total amount pledged by church members.
What does my pledge pay for?
Your pledge helps to fund a significant portion of the church’s total annual budget, including:
compensation for our Minister, Rev. Leon Dunkley; our Administrative Assistant, Joanne Boyle; our Director of Spiritual Education, Tatum Barnes; our Director of Music, Michael Zsoldos; and our Organist, John Atwood. Your pledge also pays for maintenance of the church building, the parsonage and grounds, office operations, program costs and church activities.
How can I make a pledge? Making a pledge is easy. You can either complete the form that is included in this packet and return it to the church office, addressed to David Cook, Treasurer, North Chapel, 7 Church Street, Woodstock, VT 05091 or drop the form in the basket on Sunday or at the church office.
Is my pledge confidential? Yes. David Cook receives pledges and knows what amount people commit, but this information is not shared.
How can I pay my pledge? Once you make your pledge, you can pay it all at once or in installments:
Write a check to the church, designating your pledge payment. You can mail your check or place it in the basket at Sunday services. Please put “pledge” in the memo line.
You can also put cash in an envelope with your name and the word “Pledge” on it. Then place it in the basket at Sunday services.
Set up a one-time or periodic transfer from your bank account and have them mail it to the church.
How do I determine my level of giving?
If you are a new donor to the church, we ask that you make the church a priority for your philanthropic donations and give to the best of your ability.
If you have given before, we ask that you meet or exceed previous donations, if at all possible. (You can reach out to Treasurer, David Cook at dgc1241@gmail.com if you need a reminder of what you pledged last year.)
If your circumstances change, just let David know and adjustments can be made.
We are grateful for your support.
We couldn’t do it without everyone’s help!
Thank you,
The Board of Trustees of North Universalist Chapel Society