In this feature we seek out answers to questions of broad interest, drawing on experts in congregations, the UUA, and elsewhere. If you would like to submit a question, please write to InterConnections at 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02108, or e-mail dskinner@uua.org.

Q. Does any church designate a certain percentage of income to give to worthy causes outside the church? A local Catholic church has a standing policy of giving 12 percent of its weekly income to good causes in the community. We are considering beginning such an effort, perhaps starting at 2 percent and gradually increasing. We'd like to know what the impact is on church membership and/or income when you start something like this.

A. At First Parish in Plymouth, MA (165 members), 10 percent of each week's offering plate (not including pledge income) goes to a local charity chosen by the congregation at the annual meeting from recommendations made by the Social Action Committee, says the Rev. Michael Leduc. A check is written annually. "When we instituted it at 10 percent two years ago there was great enthusiasm. The surprising side effect of this was that our plate offering increased significantly overall. Not only did the charity benefit, so did the church. Even those who regularly pledge put money in the plate where they didn't in the past. Certainly there are a few voices who say we can't afford to give that money away, we need it for ourselves. They see the church's mission as self-perpetuation rather than reaching beyond its walls."

At Dupage UU Church, Naperville, IL (277), the non-pledge plate collection one Sunday a month goes to a cause picked by the Social Action Committee. "We have found that the giving on these Sundays is pretty substantial," says President Dean Reschke. "The theory is that this kind of practice increases giving across the board. So far, I think that this is true. Another aspect that I think is important is there so often seems to be a disconnect between what we do in our worship and the real world expression of our values. This practice makes a clear and intentional connection."

Q. We are interested in starting a memorial society. Can you tell us where to get information?

A. Contact the Funeral Consumers Alliance at 802-482-3437; P.O. Box 10, Hinesburg, VT 05461. FCA is a nonprofit, educational organization that monitors funeral industry trends and practices nationally and publishes educational materials on funeral choices.

Q. We don't have much of a culture of doing social justice work as a congregation, but we'd like to try. How do we get started?

A. There are two sources that could be helpful. The Rev. Anne Odin Heller has written a book, Churchworks: A Well-Body Book for Congregations, which has a chapter on social action. It includes exercises to help a congregation understand the importance of social action and how to get started. It also has a list of 20 projects and ways to raise money for social justice work.

The second resource is The Prophetic Imperative: Social Gospel in Theory and Practice (Second Edition), by the Rev. Richard S. Gilbert, minister at First Unitarian Church, Rochester, NY. His book describes the history of social justice work within our movement, reasons for doing it, and ways to do it. A chapter describes how First Unitarian became a leader in social justice work.

Both books are available from the UUA Bookstore (800) 215-9076. Churchworks (Skinner House, 1999) #7008 is $25. Prophetic Imperative, (Skinner House, 2000) # 7740 is $18.