Stewardship at First Presbyterian Summarized below is the overall allocation of the 2010 budget into the areas defined in our vision statement. As you review this information, please keep in mind that the budget is merely an output –- a framework for organizing where we intend to invest to build the Kingdom in the areas we feel called as a church. More important is the input –- our individual commitments to reach out With These Hands through the stewardship of our personal finances."I tell you the truth," he said, "this poor widow has put in more than all the others." Luke 21:3 Reach out in Christ’s love by glorifying God through worship and praise, pointing people to God, and guiding people into a deepening relationship with God through Jesus Christ. 2010 GOAL - $817,000 28% of total budget
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:16 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into His presence with singing.” Psalm 100:1-2
Grow with God and others by growing in our faith as we study the Bible, God’s inspired Word, conforming our lives to it and gathering regularly in intentional community centered on Christ. 2010 GOAL - $1,051,000 36% of total budget
“All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 “And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor in God & men.” Luke 2:52 Go into our community and the world by giving ourselves away through the stewardship of our finances and spiritual gifts, and by going into our community and the world to make an impact for Christ. 2010 GOAL - $1,051,000 36% of total budget
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2 Other: The core ministries of the church are included in the Reach, Grow and Go categories. These ministries are enabled by the giving of our time, talent and money to provide for the following resources:
A CALL TO STEWARDSHIP "But just as you excel in everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us -- see that you also excel in this grace of giving." 2 Corinthians 8:7 Among the many ways in which we respond to God's call is in the obedient stewardship of our finances and other resources. There are myriad views as to exactly what this means, but one thing about which there is nearly universal agreement is that we are expected to return to God a portion of what has been given to us -- not only a portion, but the very first and best portion! What then does this mean for you? If you are not currently pledging support for the work of our church, then taking the step of committing a pledge for 2010 may be how God wants you to respond. If you are pledging support but only out of obligation, maybe a pledge amount that causes you to joyfully rely on your faith in God rather than yourself would be His answer. If you know the joy of giving obediently in faith, then you probably already know what His next step is for you! Your stewardship committee has been praying for you in this decision and we encourage you to frequently and earnestly ask God for His guidance. The 2010 goals take into account the operating needs of the church, as well as the needs we support through our various ministries, outreaches, and programs. Please give these goals your full consideration as you prepare your response to God. FACTS FOR COMPARISON Average Pledges = $4,642 - 2009 (Actual) $4,775 - 2010 (Goal) Difference = 3%
Total Contributions = $2,826,666 - 2009 (Budget) $2,862,500 - 2010 (Goal) Difference = 1% While recognizing the current state of the economy an dits impact on members of our body, we have set goals which call for a slight increase in giving. We believe that our giving decisions should be modeled after the example set for us by the poor widow whom Jesus highlighted in Luke 21. We should give to the point that we need to rely on God to make it, rather than relying on ourselves. Only then can we be sure that we are giving in faithful obedience. Only then can we know the true joy of accepting God's plan for our lives, whatever that may be! Only then will we see with clarity that He will watch over us faithfully without ceasing.
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