2026 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. I Corinthians 4:1-2
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Dear Friends,
What a joy it has been to begin my ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church. As I step into leadership, I am thankful for Westminster’s history over 190 years of faith formation, advocacy, art, service, fellowship, and financial generosity. I am eager to work with church leadership as we assess our current ministry and make plans to build on the firm foundation that has been laid by generations of faithful disciples. Together we can expand our outreach to those who are longing for the community and love that we have found in our community of faith. |
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This year’s stewardship theme is Found Faithful. It is based on I Corinthians 4:1-2 where Paul encourages the community of faith to be servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. He emphasizes that as stewards of God’s mysteries it is important that we be found faithful. It is easy to imagine ourselves as servants, becoming the hands and feet of Christ, acting in compassion and service. Yet, what does it mean for us to be stewards, especially stewards of God’s mysteries? All we have comes from God-- the gifts of the earth, our ability to work, our financial resources. Even the ability to love is because God has loved us first. To be stewards of God’s mysteries means that as the church, we have been given the responsibility to tell of God’s love, to embrace people in Christian community, and to nurture their faith.
Typically, people come to know God’s love through the community of faith who steward the gospel message on behalf of the God we cannot see. Over the last 190 years many have encountered God here at Westminster through our worship, mission, and faith formation programs, all of which require financial support to carry out. Your generosity will enable the next year of opening our doors widely to welcome all with the radical hospitality and with the love of Jesus Christ.
This fall, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you might steward God’s mysteries, through your life, your witness, and your financial pledge to our annual budget
Typically, people come to know God’s love through the community of faith who steward the gospel message on behalf of the God we cannot see. Over the last 190 years many have encountered God here at Westminster through our worship, mission, and faith formation programs, all of which require financial support to carry out. Your generosity will enable the next year of opening our doors widely to welcome all with the radical hospitality and with the love of Jesus Christ.
This fall, I invite you to prayerfully consider how you might steward God’s mysteries, through your life, your witness, and your financial pledge to our annual budget
In Christ,
The Rev. Dr. Anne C.S. Marshall
The Rev. Dr. Anne C.S. Marshall
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, 2026.
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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2025 Vacation Bible School
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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’ 2026 pledges are received, the 2026 budget is finalized.
How Many Households Give?
For 2025, we received 215 pledges for a total of $842,647. Currently, there are 314 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 314 member and prospective households that currently provide the financial support are 43% of the 731 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 adjusted.
How are Pledges Submitted and
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Stewardship Dedication
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Please make your pledge prior to Sunday, October 26, 2025 or
bring your pledge card with you to worship to be dedicated (see online option above).
Thank you for your time and consideration
in becoming a part of the
2026 Stewardship Campaign
Found Faithful!
The Stewardship Committee
Julie Robbs, Chair, Linda Andrews, Adam Ekstedt, Joe Fierstos,
Claudia Nash, Linda Purves, Jeanne Van Gieson, Sarah Zerfas
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Please make your pledge prior to Sunday, October 26, 2025 or
bring your pledge card with you to worship to be dedicated (see online option above).
Thank you for your time and consideration
in becoming a part of the
2026 Stewardship Campaign
Found Faithful!
The Stewardship Committee
Julie Robbs, Chair, Linda Andrews, Adam Ekstedt, Joe Fierstos,
Claudia Nash, Linda Purves, Jeanne Van Gieson, Sarah Zerfas