The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-01-05
THE CENT-A-DAY PLAN.

1t will not be questioned that some
method or device is needed to facili-
tate systematic giving on the part of
our people. First of all we must seek
! to enlist the interest of Universalists
generally in the work of Missions
and Church Extension. After this
must come the approved ways of OBJ
tanning contributions for the desired
work. 1t will not answer to depend
on spontaneous generosity without
system or method. Occasionally large
results might be secured by offerings
thus made; but there would always
be uncertainty attending such
course of procedure. Hence it is
far better to seek for contributions
through some regular system and in
accordance with plan which is COM
mended by its simplicity and promise
of efficiency.
The advantages of the 'Cent-a-day"
plan are many and obvious; and if it
is possible to so apply it as to enlist
all our people in this form of regular
giving to the Conventions, we shall
have taken long step toward in pro-
viding for the financial support of
the bodies to which we are allegiant.
The ideal would be reached when
each member of every Universalist
family should subscribe to pledge
card and become regular contrib
utor. Substantial success, however,
would be attained could each family
be represented among the "Cent-a-
day" contributors.
The pledges will be sent out from
the office of the Financial Secretary
to pastors and others who may be in
terested in the working of the plan.
Pastors can, if SO disposed, distribute
the blank cards among their people
and obtain signatures; or they may
place the matter in the hands of some
energetic person or committee, by
whom "Cent-a-Day" bands can be or
ganized in the carrying on of the en-
terprise. Neat folding boxes have
been prepared to accompany or fol-
low the distribution of the pledges.
In some cases the boxes may not be
put to actual use, as the subscription
to the pledges is the important feat
ure. In many instances, however,
and among our young people espe-
cially, the boxes will serve a good
purpose, not only as an object lesson,
but also as repositories. One cent
will be dropped in the box each day,
and the return will show number of
pennies equivalent to the number of
days counted at the time of gather
ing.
If it is suggested that the Gent
a day" plan is unequal and unjust.
since it calls upon all Universalists,
so far as they can be reached, to give
the same sum, the reply is that this
method of giving is not supposed to
cover all the obligations in the mat
ter of contributions. Almost every
one is able to give cent day; but
after such giving, the way is left open
for the rich and the well-to- do mem
bers of our communion to make adj
ditional contributions. There can be
no doubt that. these will be called
upon again and again to aid the local
and the general work. But here is
plan by which it is proposed to reach,
if possible, every family in the Uni
versalist Church. Evidently it has
immense possibilities. Let it be fairly
tested that the full measure of pro-
ductiveness may be discovered. If
possible, let all our people be brought
into line as regular givers, at least to
the extent of one cent day, for then
we shall be able to prosecute more
largely and more successfully the
important enterprises pertaining to
the advancement of the interests
which we hold dear.