WHY SHOULD I PLEDGE THIS YEAR?
Stewardship season challenges each of us to consider how we will share our time, talents, and treasure through First Presbyterian Church ministries in the upcoming year. Each fall, the Session plans the coming year’s activities and expenditures. Finalizing the budget requires the Session to forecast church revenues and identify ministry and mission needs. Church members’ pledges are essential in guiding the Session in making these plans.
IS MY PLEDGE A BINDING CONTRACT?
No. Filling out your pledge card is an estimate of giving made in good faith. It is not like paying taxes, a mortgage or membership dues. Your pledge is a statement of intent, not a contract.
IS THERE A WAY I CAN ESTIMATE MY FAIR SHARE?
Yes. Through prayer, let the Holy Spirit guide you in your giving. Financial gifts to the church are not required payments figured at an estimated cost per member. Some members of our faith family struggle while others have more than enough. There are times in almost each of our lives when we have been supported by the care and love of others. We encourage people to offer the first fruits of their income by making a proportional commitment, perhaps working toward a Biblical norm of the tithe (10% of income).
HOW DO I MAKE A PLEDGE?
Pledge cards have been mailed to church members and regular attendees. Pledge cards are also available at various places around the church. Completed pledge cards may be mailed back to the church or placed it in the church offering plate. If you are interested in submitting your pledge online, you may do so at: http://fpcwinc.org/pledge.
SHOULD I FILL OUT A PLEDGE CARD OR COMPLETE AN ONLINE PLEDGE EVEN IF I CANNOT FILL IN AN AMOUNT?
Yes. Pledge cards not only assure the congregation’s leadership of future finances but also of the extent of support from, and partnership within, the church family.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL KNOW WHAT I GIVE?
Only the church businesss manager has access to these records. Your privacy is maintained.
IN WHAT WAYS CAN I MAKE PAYMENTS TO SUPPORT THE CHURCH?
Here are some of the ways you can support the church’s missions in the upcoming year:
- You can assure a regular giving pattern through automatic withdrawal from your bank account. A form is available here.
- You can request traditional offering envelopes that you turn in during worship service or mail.
- To donate online: visit http://fpcwinc.org/stewardship/donate.
- PayPal
WHO DECIDES WHERE THE MONEY GOES?
Various councils, teams, and ministries of our congregation provide input to the church budget. In the late fall, the Session approves the budget for the next calendar year. Members of the congregation vote on the changes, if any, in employment terms for the three pastors. Our budget and monthly revenues and expenditures are available in the church office for any member to examine.
HOW CAN I STAY INVOLVED AND BE UPDATED ABOUT CHURCH FINANCES?
Information about church activities and finances appears in the annual report and monthly in the eNotices. Above all, praying for the various specific ministries of our church family helps link your heart to the ongoing challenges and opportunities in which all members are partners.
SHOULD I FILL OUT A PLEDGE CARD OR COMPLETE AN ONLINE PLEDGE EVEN IF I AM GIVING VIA AUTOMATIC BANK WITHDRAWAL?
Yes. An ACH payment can be discontinued at any time. Your pledge assures church leadership of your commitment to continuing giving.
