2019 Stewardship Campaign: Found Faithful
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Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
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Dear Friends,
Found Faithful is this year’s Stewardship theme based on
I Corinthians 4:1-2. As we consider our financial commitment for 2019, the Apostle Paul invites us to explore the ways we are called individually and as a church community to be faithful, and how we can be found faithful in little, with much, and with all that our generous God gives us.
Paul asks us to think of ourselves as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. The query to think of ourselves as stewards of God’s mysteries is especially delightful. We are familiar with the call to be stewards of God’s creation, a responsibility we take seriously as an Earth Care congregation, which promotes environmental stewardship in the care of our facilities and personal habits. However, to be stewards of God’s mysteries is equally important. As much as we affirm our faith in Jesus Christ and celebrate the Triune God to whom we belong in life and in death, let us never forget that the One who created us and who joined us in our humanity is beyond our understanding. As servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries, we strive to be found faithful by seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. (Micah 6:8b)
To be found faithful in little is to be a community that enters into the baptismal covenant, teaching our children the faith that nourishes and sustains us wherever life takes us. To be found faithful with much is to journey with our youth as they come into their own and to provide opportunities for them to become servants of Christ. To be found faithful with all is to embrace the discipline of giving to others in tangible ways, both in service and with a financial commitment.
As we complete our fifth year together as stewards of God’s mysteries and anticipate welcoming a new Associate Pastor for Family Ministry, I am grateful for your faithfulness. I join the Stewardship Committee in inviting you to give out of the generosity you have received, to give because you want to give, and to give because you can!
Grace and Peace,
Found Faithful is this year’s Stewardship theme based on
I Corinthians 4:1-2. As we consider our financial commitment for 2019, the Apostle Paul invites us to explore the ways we are called individually and as a church community to be faithful, and how we can be found faithful in little, with much, and with all that our generous God gives us.
Paul asks us to think of ourselves as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. The query to think of ourselves as stewards of God’s mysteries is especially delightful. We are familiar with the call to be stewards of God’s creation, a responsibility we take seriously as an Earth Care congregation, which promotes environmental stewardship in the care of our facilities and personal habits. However, to be stewards of God’s mysteries is equally important. As much as we affirm our faith in Jesus Christ and celebrate the Triune God to whom we belong in life and in death, let us never forget that the One who created us and who joined us in our humanity is beyond our understanding. As servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries, we strive to be found faithful by seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. (Micah 6:8b)
To be found faithful in little is to be a community that enters into the baptismal covenant, teaching our children the faith that nourishes and sustains us wherever life takes us. To be found faithful with much is to journey with our youth as they come into their own and to provide opportunities for them to become servants of Christ. To be found faithful with all is to embrace the discipline of giving to others in tangible ways, both in service and with a financial commitment.
As we complete our fifth year together as stewards of God’s mysteries and anticipate welcoming a new Associate Pastor for Family Ministry, I am grateful for your faithfulness. I join the Stewardship Committee in inviting you to give out of the generosity you have received, to give because you want to give, and to give because you can!
Grace and Peace,
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What is Stewardship?Financial Stewardship is an important component of a balanced spiritual life. Returning to God from that which God has given to us is a tangible and meaningful way to express our faith.
What is a Stewardship Pledge?Each year, members of Westminster Presbyterian Church are asked to make a stewardship pledge for the upcoming calendar year. A member's pledge is a one-year financial commitment to support the ministry within our congregation, to the Springfield community and to the world. A pledge made in connection with the current stewardship drive is to be paid by December 31, 2019.
What is an Appropriate Pledge Amount?The amount of each member's stewardship pledge is a personal, spiritual decision. The biblical concept of tithing (contributing 10% of one's income to the church and other worthy organizations) is a standard to prayerfully consider. Some members may be able to equal or exceed the tithing level. Other members will pledge at a lower level. We have included the above giving percentage table as a guideline for those who would like to move toward this goal. All pledge contributions, regardless of the amount, are gratefully received as an expression of a member's commitment.
Why are Pledges Important?Pledges are essential to Westminster's planning process. Each year, committees submit their goals and the estimated cost to achieve them. The Session adopts a tentative budget. Once members' 2019 pledges are received, the Session will finalize the budget.
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How Many Households Give?
For 2018, we received 268 pledges for a total of $828,080. Currently, there are 408 member and prospect households contributing financially to support Westminster’s ministry. The table below shows how many of those households contribute at each of the respective levels.
The 408 member and prospect households that currently provide the financial support are 53% of the 767 total households.
How are Pledge Donations Paid?
Members fulfill their pledge in the manner that best meets their circumstances. One may give weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually via cash, checks, automatic bank withdrawal or by clicking on our website link and using a credit card. Pledges may also be paid with securities. Should a member's circumstances change, the pledge can be increased or decreased.
How are Pledges Submitted and
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Thank you for your time and consideration
in becoming a part of the 2019 Stewardship Campaign
Found Faithful!
The 2019 Stewardship Committee
Steve Scaife, Chair, Brian Cozadd, Bill Deemer, Anne Haaker, Nichole Magalis, Becky Martin,
Lynn McMenamin, David Mitchell, Mary Ray, Julie Robbs, Krista Steller, Dr. Will Wright
in becoming a part of the 2019 Stewardship Campaign
Found Faithful!
The 2019 Stewardship Committee
Steve Scaife, Chair, Brian Cozadd, Bill Deemer, Anne Haaker, Nichole Magalis, Becky Martin,
Lynn McMenamin, David Mitchell, Mary Ray, Julie Robbs, Krista Steller, Dr. Will Wright