May 2026
Dear Friends of LAUMC,
There was a time when commitment or pledge campaigns were a given in practically every church – big or small. However, we live in a very different time. When we asked AI to provide an estimate of the percentage of churches in the United States that currently have annual pledge or commitment campaigns, AI estimated 25 – 35 percent (or roughly one in three).
LAUMC is gratefully part of that 25 – 35 percent. Gratefully, because providing opportunities to make such commitments is an important practice for many. At the same time, if this is presented as an obligation or mandate, many in a congregation are turned off.
We seek to honor both of these realities with an annual Commitment Campaign that gives everyone the opportunity to respond, but does so openly acknowledging that only about half of the congregation chooses to pledge in this way. Our hope is that those for whom pledging is an important and positive faith practice will do so . . . and for those for whom it is not will feel comfortable in not pledging.
This non-obligation approach has been in place at LAUMC for a number of years – and the overall giving of the congregation has been extraordinarily faithful. Currently, total operating fund contributions, with just five weeks remaining in the fiscal year ending June 30th, are a little over $100,000 over both budget and last year’s contributions YTD. This was our first true balanced budget in many years, requiring no drawing down from our reserves.
For those who decide to make a financial commitment, the enclosed pledge card can be placed in the offering plate on any Sunday until the end of June. Commitments can also be made using the online form at: LAUMC.org/Commitment.
Our Extravagant Generosity Committee thanks you for taking this journey with us and for your continued support of God’s work in this church home we call LAUMC.
Blessings from your Extravagant Generosity Committee
Ashish Farmer Phil Pompei John Swan Pastor Dave Samelson