GIVING

United Church of Marco Island is supported by the generosity of God's people.  Our giving brings us great joy.  In giving to God's church and to those in need, we help others experience heaven on earth. Indeed God loves a cheerful giver: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7)

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2025 was an incredible year for United Church of Marco Island! And all the work and ministry which took place on Marco Island and beyond was accomplished by the grace of God which sustained your faithfulness!

Average attendance in worship went from 258 in 2024 to 292 in 2025. Your pledges went from $235K in 2024 to over $900K in 2025.  Mission giving exceeded 30% of the church budget. You engaged in multiple Bible Studies. United Church added a Marketing Outreach presence and engaged Kathleen Osborn Gerdes as a full-time Director of Music.  Our enhanced worship experience is a blessing! United also added a Saturday Night Worship service, and the Pastoral staff made over 265 Pastoral and Hospital calls during the year.  You will find more information about the work and ministry inside this brochure.

A long-term goal for United Church is for more of the proceeds from the Bargain Basket to go to missions and less to supporting the everyday operations of the church.  This is akin to turning a huge oil tanker at sea, given our history of relying heavily on the Bargain Basket.  And guess what? We are making progress!  In 2025, United Church received less than $150K from the Bargain Basket.  That is a huge step and due to your faithful support.

2026 is a year of great opportunity to continued increased support of the work and ministry of United Church! With the average worship attendance increasing by nearly 10%, the addition of a Saturday Night Service, increased Bible Studies and outreach to the community, adding an Associate Pastor will strengthen the Pastoral staff to further United Church’s ministry. 

Here is United Church’s ministry by the numbers!

Here are some enlightening engagement numbers for January-November 2025 with a congregation of 450+ and an average attendance of 292, with only three full-time people serving in ministry positions:

 Data from the United Church of Christ shows that a church of our size is ready, and indeed needful, of a second pastor. And while the above are just numbers, there is a face, a decision, a need, and an expression of discipleship behind each tally listed.  

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian church, “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters.” Colossians 3.23

 Please put a little more of yourselves into the work and ministry of United Church.  The Stewardship team is asking our members and friends to consider increasing your pledge from 2024 by 9% in 2025.  Such increased giving will further close the gap between relying on a subsidy from the Bargain Basket to operate the church proper and campus.

Over 20% of the membership is involved with committees, choir, Men’s and Women’s Fellowship, Trustees, Executive Committee, and Board of Church Life and Growth.  Many members also volunteer at our Bargain Basket and other hands-on mission efforts. We want to continue that momentum!

Your support is necessary and needed to continue growing.  Just as you and I have experienced an incredible sense of belonging, love, and spiritual growth with United Church, we want others to have that same spiritual and discipleship experience.

 Let us imprint on our hearts what Jesus has told us:

“18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 18.18-20).

Please join me in the 2026 Two-Gether Generosity Campaign as we make an increased commitment to the life, work, and ministry of United Church of Marco Island. 

Pastor Ed/Stewardship Team

Supplemental Giving Opportunities

 

  • For decades, United Church’s Endowment Fund has anchored United Church through all seasons of the church’s life. The corpus of the Endowment Fund, however, has remained intact—always ensuring that the church is financially rooted in a rock-solid foundation.

  • The Capital Improvement Funds ensure that the campus buildings at United Church and the Bargain Basket thrift store will always be beautiful and current. In years past, this fund has been used at United Church for projects such as a new sanctuary roof, a new sanctuary air conditioning system, a new sound system, a new church sign, a new steeple atop Disseler Hall, new appliances, landscaping additions, and a new asphalt for the parking lot. At the Bargain Basket Thrift store, the fund has been used for multiple in-store renovations.

  • Named after the late Dave Rush, United Church’s Rush Fund provides financial aid to church members in need. Over the years, the Rush Fund has been used to assist families in need with medical and dental bills…it’s been used to fix the leaking roof of a widow living on a fixed income…it’s been used to help families in need with the funeral expenses… These are just a few examples of how this fund has blessed those within the congregation who need basic assistance. 

Why Give Online?

It’s a personal preference, but here are a few of the benefits we frequently hear:

  • Deciding to give faithfully in advance is a spiritual commitment.

  • It helps simplify life.

  • It’s a weekly act of worship, even when I cannot attend worship.

  • It allows me to give consistently.

If you are more comfortable giving during worship, that’s great. As another option, online giving is a convenient tool for anyone who wants to financially support the ministry of the United Church of Marco Island – to fulfill your pledge, schedule regular contributions, or give a one-time contribution. 

As you make your gift online to United Church, do so with "cheer" in your heart.  For your gift truly matters to God's kingdom. 

Please Click, " Donate Today" and follow the prompts to make your desired donations for today and the future.  If you have any questions please contact our Church Office.  

NOTE: Clicking on the “Donate Today” button will take you to a website operated by an unaffiliated third party, Realm, where you can make a financial contribution or set up recurring contributions! As Realm operates the Online Giving page, please review their website Privacy Policy and Terms of Use before providing any personal or financial information.