2025 Stewardship Campaign: Faithful, Hopeful, Loving
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And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love. I Corinthians 13:13
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Dear Ones,
This year’s stewardship theme: Faithful, Hopeful, Loving, is based on I Corinthians 13:13. And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love. After summarizing the spiritual gifts in chapter 12, Paul explains that the gifts were given for the benefit of all to build up the community with a common purpose. Paul then exhorts them to “a still more excellent way,” which is the essential, practical, and enduring way of love. |
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What follows in chapter 13 are eloquent words on what it means to love. The composition is a picture of love in action. Love becomes the subject of all the verbs. Love does some things and resists doing other things. Love is not an abstract idea: love acts. Love expresses itself in down-to-earth contexts, where it refuses to stoop to petty retaliation, demonstrates patience, resists keeping a scorecard, remains faithful and hopeful.
Our stewardship—what we do with what has been given to us—is love in action. We are grateful for the faithful, hopeful, loving members within this congregation who give generously to support the ministry of Westminster and the work of Christ.
Faithful, Hopeful, and Loving is who we are as we keep our baptismal covenant, nourishing our children in a faith that will sustain them wherever life leads.
Faithful, Hopeful, and Loving is who we are as we journey with our youth while they come into their own and encourage them in “a still more excellent way.”
Faithful, Hopeful, and Loving, is who we are as we sustain a financial commitment to Westminster, so that we may continue to make a difference in our neighborhood, community, and beyond.
As I near the completion of my eleventh year as your pastor, my heart overflows with joy and gratitude for the privilege of leading this faithful, hopeful, and loving congregation. Thank you for believing in “a still more excellent way,” for doing some things and resisting doing other things. I join the Stewardship Committee in inviting you to give with faithful, hopeful, and loving hearts, and to give as you are able!
Grace and Peace,
Our stewardship—what we do with what has been given to us—is love in action. We are grateful for the faithful, hopeful, loving members within this congregation who give generously to support the ministry of Westminster and the work of Christ.
Faithful, Hopeful, and Loving is who we are as we keep our baptismal covenant, nourishing our children in a faith that will sustain them wherever life leads.
Faithful, Hopeful, and Loving is who we are as we journey with our youth while they come into their own and encourage them in “a still more excellent way.”
Faithful, Hopeful, and Loving, is who we are as we sustain a financial commitment to Westminster, so that we may continue to make a difference in our neighborhood, community, and beyond.
As I near the completion of my eleventh year as your pastor, my heart overflows with joy and gratitude for the privilege of leading this faithful, hopeful, and loving congregation. Thank you for believing in “a still more excellent way,” for doing some things and resisting doing other things. I join the Stewardship Committee in inviting you to give with faithful, hopeful, and loving hearts, and to give as you are able!
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, 2025.
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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Faith, hope, and love are taught to children during Sunday school as they gather with friends.
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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’ 2025 pledges are received, the 2025 budget is finalized.
How Many Households Give?
For 2024, we received 227 pledges for a total of $874,845. Currently, there are 335 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 335 member and prospect households that currently provide the financial support are 46% of the 735 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 online with a debit or 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 27, 2024
Please make your pledge prior to Sunday, October 27, 2024 or
bring your pledge card with you to worship to be dedicated (see online option above).
Thank you for your joyful and prayerful consideration
in becoming a part of the
2024 Stewardship Campaign.
The Stewardship Committee
Jim Dolan, Chair, Marc Anderson, Ellen Carpenter, Dr. Tanya DeSanto,
Tara Fritsch, Harold Hale, Jay Kennerly, Julie Robbs
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Please make your pledge prior to Sunday, October 27, 2024 or
bring your pledge card with you to worship to be dedicated (see online option above).
Thank you for your joyful and prayerful consideration
in becoming a part of the
2024 Stewardship Campaign.
The Stewardship Committee
Jim Dolan, Chair, Marc Anderson, Ellen Carpenter, Dr. Tanya DeSanto,
Tara Fritsch, Harold Hale, Jay Kennerly, Julie Robbs