2027 Stewardship Campaign: Growing Into God's Future
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For we are God's Coworkers, working together;
you are God's field, God's building. I Corinthians 3:9 |
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Dear Friends, One of the things I love about my new neighborhood is the trees. When a storm rolls in, the leaves flutter, but the trunks, held by deep roots, stand strong and resilient. In First Corinthians, Paul uses the images of plants and buildings to remind us that Christ is the foundation on which we build and the source of our growth. Since Westminster’s abolitionist beginnings, generations of faithful disciples led by Christ have helped build this community of faith, just as a trees grows and develops, ring by ring. Last year, I was grafted into Westminster’s community of faith and together we have begun preparing for many fruitful seasons to come. |
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Last year, I was grafted into Westminster’s community of faith and together we have begun preparing for many fruitful seasons to come. We are already seeing signs of new energy and hope as we grow in faith. This fall, our All-Church Picnic brought generations together in joyful fellowship. Now, over 60 people are participating in our first church-wide small groups. We are testing new approaches for recruitment and have seen encouraging responses from community members expressing interest in our children’s choir. The Mission and Community Service Committee is engaging in conversations about how we can expand our mission impact in Springfield and internationally.
As we look toward the future, the personnel committee has identified staffing needs that will help us innovate and strengthen our ministry. As reflected in the proposed 2027 budget, we hope to add a Communications Specialist and an Interim Director of Operations and Finance who will help strengthen our ministry today while we discern next steps toward a thriving ministry, including the possible addition of a third pastor.
Through our actions and future plans, we hope to deepen our relationship with Christ while continuing to build Westminster’s reputation as an active church making a difference in the community. We aspire to welcome mission-minded families and provide a place where children are known, valued, and nurtured in faith.
With hope for the future that God is calling us toward, we encourage everyone to contribute. We invite those who are able to increase their giving this year. We know this may require sacrifice in these challenging economic times. Yet, your annual gift is critical to our ministry and supports a thriving congregation. Through your prayers and gifts of time, talent, and treasure, you not only make our current vitality possible but inspire a hopeful future as well. Together we hope to increase pledge income by 10.5%.
Join us, in person or online, for our Growing into God’s Future: Rooted in Faith, Growing in Hope worship series that begins on October 18th and culminates on, November 1st, Dedication and All Saints Sunday, when we will offer our pledges for 2027 as an act of worship and celebrate with a light reception and a time of fellowship in Parish Hall.
Christ gives us deep roots. Like a mighty tree, Westminster continues to grow ring by ring through the faithfulness of each generation, trusting God to bring new fruit and new possibilities. Come be a part of the new season of growth that God is calling us into.
As we look toward the future, the personnel committee has identified staffing needs that will help us innovate and strengthen our ministry. As reflected in the proposed 2027 budget, we hope to add a Communications Specialist and an Interim Director of Operations and Finance who will help strengthen our ministry today while we discern next steps toward a thriving ministry, including the possible addition of a third pastor.
Through our actions and future plans, we hope to deepen our relationship with Christ while continuing to build Westminster’s reputation as an active church making a difference in the community. We aspire to welcome mission-minded families and provide a place where children are known, valued, and nurtured in faith.
With hope for the future that God is calling us toward, we encourage everyone to contribute. We invite those who are able to increase their giving this year. We know this may require sacrifice in these challenging economic times. Yet, your annual gift is critical to our ministry and supports a thriving congregation. Through your prayers and gifts of time, talent, and treasure, you not only make our current vitality possible but inspire a hopeful future as well. Together we hope to increase pledge income by 10.5%.
Join us, in person or online, for our Growing into God’s Future: Rooted in Faith, Growing in Hope worship series that begins on October 18th and culminates on, November 1st, Dedication and All Saints Sunday, when we will offer our pledges for 2027 as an act of worship and celebrate with a light reception and a time of fellowship in Parish Hall.
Christ gives us deep roots. Like a mighty tree, Westminster continues to grow ring by ring through the faithfulness of each generation, trusting God to bring new fruit and new possibilities. Come be a part of the new season of growth that God is calling us into.
In Christ,
The Rev. Dr. Anne C.S. Marshall
The Rev. Dr. Anne C.S. Marshall
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A Message From Our Stewardship Chair
Westminster’s pews are fuller, our attendance is up. Excitement is growing. As we enter into the season of giving, remember that our church is rooted in faith and growing in hope, and that each of us has a part in our exciting future. As members of Westminster, we want this church to continue to grow into God’s future. I ask that you keep that in your mind and in your heart as you fill out your pledge form. And we thank you! -Brad Swanson
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.
Why are Pledges Important?Your financial support helps us budget and build our future.
A meaningful pledge is a personal decision found with prayer. “Meaningful” is between you and God. Together we aim to increase our budget by 10.5 % for 2027 to meet new ministry goals. Those in seasons of abundance may feel called to pledge more. Others may need to pledge less. Every pledge, large or small, is a blessing to our ministry and each contributes to the upbuilding of our community.. |
How Many Households Give?For 2026, We Received 210 pledges for a total of $896,085
Currently, there are 299 Households Contributing Financially to Support Westminster’s Operating Budge 
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How to Submit a Pledge? |
Growing Our Ministry |
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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.
Members are asked to complete and return their pledge cards in a sealed envelope to the church by mail, placing them in the offering plate during worship, or by clicking here no later than Dedication Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Check out the ways your pledge helps
lead and supports our ministry! |
The proposed 2027 budget includes new investments in ministry capacity, including:
Communication Specialist
The Session will continue to discern the timing of a search for a third pastor even as an Interim Director of Finance and Operations helps us strengthen processes and efficiency for thriving ministry. Increased congregational support combined with interest from the Henry Dale Smith, Jr. Endowment for Ministry and Innovation will help us reach our 2027 ministry goals. Please contact members of Session or Pastor Anne if you have questions about the proposed budget.
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Stewardship Dedication
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Please make your pledge prior to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 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
2027 Stewardship Campaign
Found Faithful!
Core Stewardship Committee
Brad Swanson, Chair, Cathy Brower, Christie Hovey, and Maggie Pinke
Additional Stewardship Support is provided by those giving testimonies,
preparing mailings, and placing follow-up phone calls.
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Please make your pledge prior to Sunday, November 1, 2026, 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
2027 Stewardship Campaign
Found Faithful!
Core Stewardship Committee
Brad Swanson, Chair, Cathy Brower, Christie Hovey, and Maggie Pinke
Additional Stewardship Support is provided by those giving testimonies,
preparing mailings, and placing follow-up phone calls.