Tithing Policy

Effective Date: October 1, 2007

Unity believes and teaches tithing. Tithing is a spiritual practice where we acknowledge that God is the source of our supply, and that, as we give so shall we receive. When we put God first in our finances, we attract greater good into our lives. Tithing leads to a greater consciousness that divine order is being made manifest in our outer life and affairs as efficiency and prosperity are increased. A giving heart attracts to it the infinite abundance of the Universe.

It is the policy of Unity Church in the Rockies to tithe 10% on all monies received by the Church through donations. This has been our norm, and we will continue this practice with the exception of any donation made by an individual or group who expressly requests their donation be exempt from the Church's tithing policy. This request is to be made in writing such as a note on the check or an additional written note.

Most gifts from contributors to Unity Church in the Rockies do not have a specified purpose. They are given in support of the Church and are deposited into the General Fund for general church operations. Therefore, they are considered unrestricted funds. However, some gifts are given for a specific purpose (such as a fundraiser) and fall under the category of restricted funds.

1. Policy: It is the policy of Unity Church in the Rockies to tithe 10% on all contributions. Therefore, if a contribution is restricted, 90% will go into the restricted account and 10% will be tithed. However, if a donor requests that 100% of the gift be used for a specific purpose (restricted), we will honor the request.

2. Charitable Organizations: Tithe payments made by Unity Church in the Rockies are limited to charitable organizations that perform services within the scope of the mission of Unity Church in the Rockies. Information on these charities is given at the annual meeting. By request, we will provide a list of chosen charities at any time. Decisions on the charities and amounts they receive are made by the Unity Church in the Rockies Board of Trustees.

3. Disclosure of Policy: We will annually disclose our tithing policy. This will be done through a variety of venues such as the Board’s Board (in the hallway), Newsletter, annual reports, and/or the annual meeting.

4. Anonymous Donor: If the gift donor is anonymous, we will tithe 10% unless the donor indicates in some manner that the donation is to used 100% toward a specific purpose.

5. Fundraising Exceeds Target Amount: If fundraising is announced for a specific purpose, and the amount of donations received has exceeded the target amount, any additional donations will be placed in a restricted account to be used toward a future project. The tithing policy stated above will apply.

6. Future Programs & Projects + 10% Tithe: Future programs and projects will include the estimated cost of the project plus a 10% tithe. By including the tithe amount, the Board of Trustees can more accurately communicate the amount of funds required to be raised.

Convenience in Giving – Consider Auto-Tithing!

Would you like a convenient, safe method for supporting Unity Church in the Rockies? Please consider giving by credit card or automatic electronic withdrawal from your bank. Simply fill out one of the forms which are available at the Church. Your gifts can be one-time, weekly, or monthly. Automatic tithing allows you to conveniently support your Church even if you cannot attend and provides a stable source of income for the Church. If you have questions, please talk with Jayde (Office Manager) or Sandi (Bookkeeper), at (719) 471-4556. Please see the table below for income comparison to budget. At the present rate of income and spending, for the year 2008, we will exceed our income by almost $13,000. Please consider whether to increase your gifts to the church to make certain Unity Church in the Rockies will continue to prosper

Comparison of Income to Budget

1st Quarter

April

4-May

Year to Date

Budget

$74,565

$22,944

$5,736

$103,245

Income

$71, 348

$20,958

$5,580

$97,886

Net

-$3,217

-$1,986

-$156

-$5,359

Variety Show Fundraiser

The Variety Show Fundraiser was loads of fun!! We have a bunch of talented folks in this Church! A big thank you to Noreen McGregor for being the main organizer of this event. And, Sharlene Yabe, you rocked as our “way” cool and cordial Master of Ceremonies. And, thank you to all the other behind-the-scenes individuals who helped to make this event a success. The fundraiser brought in $1,188 in love offerings. The total amount raised for the Restroom Fund is now $37,359. Our goal of $50,000 is going to happen – let’s make it happen this year!

Tithing Policy

Your Board has worked diligently over the past couple of months to write a Tithing Policy. Please see the Board’s Board in the hallway to take a look at this written policy. We hope it will be educational as well as clarifying. This policy will also be publicized in the October Newsletter and the unityrockies.org website.

Would you like to speak with the Board?

Do you have concerns or suggestions that you would like to be considered by the Board of Trustees? We want to encourage your interaction. There are several ways you can get in touch with us. You may write or call any of us. Our phone numbers and e-mail addresses are shown on the unityrockies.org website and are also posted on the Board’s Board in the hallway. In addition, if you would like to speak before the whole Board, there is a way to do that. Just put your request in writing and give it to Jayde, Office Manager, at least 10 days in advance of the Board meeting. Or send an e-mail request to any of us. We have a meeting once a month during either the 3rd or 4th week.

Semi-Annual Financial Information
See the Board’s Board in the Hallway to see how your Church fared financially from January – June 2007.

In service,
Louana
Louana Turner
Board Treasurer