From the Dues Committee - January 1999

In our first two columns, we talked about the costs of running Congregation Albert to meet our collective expectations. The net of these discussions? It costs about $1,200 per family unit to run our congregation this year. Our goals in providing this information are to

1. Remind you of the necessity of having your full financial support.
2. Reinforce a central tenet of Congregation Albert, that those unable to pay the actual cost of membership are welcome.
3. Communicate where your dues dollars go.
4. Encourage everyone to pay their Fair Share.
5. Stress the importance of volunteerism.

This month we would like to thank you for your positive response. The move to paying dues on a monthly basis has been widely praised as assisting people in their monthly budgeting process. Comments have been made, to the effect, that "membership dues are now a part of my monthly budget." By establishing a monthly budget for dues, some members have chosen to increase their financial commitment to the temple. To all of you who have embraced the Fair Share dues program, we say thank you. If you've been thinking of increasing your pledge, why not do so right now by calling Judy Weinstein at 883-1818.

Now it's time to recognize those that have gone above and beyond, who are doing what they can to ensure that the congregation runs smoothly, both fiscally and organizationally. Two years ago, the concept of acknowledging people for their generosity was accepted and The Circles Program was established. This program recognizes members who give generously during the year, which begins July 1:

1. By pledging more than the actual cost of maintaining their membership, so that others who cannot pay as much can still be members.
2. Through the donation of their time.
3. Or, both.

The following are brief descriptions of each Circle:

• The Mitzvah Circle: recognizes those who generously donate their time. This commitment takes many forms: From members that run our library or who are active in the Zamir; to those bakers who keep Bernice's Challah Fame going; to others that commit their skills and experiences, such as computer mavens and accounting experts; and still others that ensure that the religious, spiritual and educational needs of our members are met.

• The Pillar Circle: includes those that pledged between $1,500 and $2,999 this year.

• The Guardian Circle: acknowledges those who have pledged $3,000 or more this year.

It should be emphasized that temple members can participate in both the Mitzvah Circle and a pledge Circle, and will be acknowledged and honored in both. Programs are being planned to honor all Circle participants.

One last thought: It's not too late to increase your pledge to move into the Pillar Circle or up to the Guardian Circle.

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