2022 Stewardship Campaign: I Have Called You Friends
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I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.
John 15:15b
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Dear Ones,
I Have Called You Friends is this year’s Stewardship theme based on John 15:15b. As we consider our financial commitment for 2022, let us do so in the context of the friendship that enriches our lives. By God’s grace, Jesus Christ calls us his friends! What better reason could we have to bring an offering of gratitude? The offering we bring reflects the compassion we have received and is intended to be a courageous witness to the world as we seek to be the kind of friend to others that Christ is to us. |
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Good friends walk alongside one another in the journey of life rooting, encouraging, challenging, and helping one another be all we can be and become who God designed us to be.
Remembering that Christ calls us friends and celebrating the friendships within this faith community that enrich our lives inspires us to give joyfully.
The friendship of Christ strengthens us to become a community that enters the baptismal covenant, nourishing our children’s faith that will sustain them wherever life leads.
The friendship of Christ uplifts us to journey with our youth as they come into their own and to encourage them to serve in the name of the One who calls us friends.
The friendship of Christ inspires us to embrace the discipline of giving in tangible ways, both in service and a financial commitment to this faith community, so that we may continue to be good friends to one another.
As I near the completion of my eighth year as your pastor, my heart overflows with joy and gratitude for the friendship of Christ and for the friends at Westminster who enrich the life Peter and I have made in Springfield.
I join the Stewardship Committee in inviting you to give with gratitude and joy for God’s grace and friendship, to give out of the generosity you have received, and to give because you can!
Grace and Peace,
Remembering that Christ calls us friends and celebrating the friendships within this faith community that enrich our lives inspires us to give joyfully.
The friendship of Christ strengthens us to become a community that enters the baptismal covenant, nourishing our children’s faith that will sustain them wherever life leads.
The friendship of Christ uplifts us to journey with our youth as they come into their own and to encourage them to serve in the name of the One who calls us friends.
The friendship of Christ inspires us to embrace the discipline of giving in tangible ways, both in service and a financial commitment to this faith community, so that we may continue to be good friends to one another.
As I near the completion of my eighth year as your pastor, my heart overflows with joy and gratitude for the friendship of Christ and for the friends at Westminster who enrich the life Peter and I have made in Springfield.
I join the Stewardship Committee in inviting you to give with gratitude and joy for God’s grace and friendship, to give out of the generosity you have received, and to give because you can!
Grace and Peace,
The Rev. Dr. Blythe D. Kieffer
Pastor and Head of Staff
Pastor and Head of Staff
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, 2022.
What is an Appropriate 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. The above giving percentage table is 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.
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Examining the crown of our friend, Jesus
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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. Once members’ 2022 pledges are received, the 2022 budget is finalized.
How Many Households Give?
For 2021, we received 246 pledges for a total of $795,000. Currently, there are 327 member and prospective households contributing financially to support Westminster’s operating budget. The table below shows how many of those households contribute at each of the respective levels.
The 327 member and prospect households that currently provide the financial support are 45% of the 725 total households.
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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 on our website 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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Stewardship Dedication
Sunday, October 24, 2021
Please make your pledge prior to Sunday, October 24, 2021 or
bring your pledge card with you to worship to be dedicated.
Thank you for your joyful and prayerful consideration
in becoming a part of the
2022 Stewardship Campaign.
The Stewardship Committee
Pete VanGieson, Chair, Meleah Berkowitz, Robyn Hovey, Tom Massey, Julie McDonough,
Pat Moore, Bill Schlosser, Gregg Swanson, Brinton Wilkey, Bob Zerfas
Sunday, October 24, 2021
Please make your pledge prior to Sunday, October 24, 2021 or
bring your pledge card with you to worship to be dedicated.
Thank you for your joyful and prayerful consideration
in becoming a part of the
2022 Stewardship Campaign.
The Stewardship Committee
Pete VanGieson, Chair, Meleah Berkowitz, Robyn Hovey, Tom Massey, Julie McDonough,
Pat Moore, Bill Schlosser, Gregg Swanson, Brinton Wilkey, Bob Zerfas