Stewardship

The Birth of Jesus, Ongoing Economic Anxieties and End-of-Year Giving
A Message from Guy Sayles

Thank you! The banking and mortgage crisis of 2008 marked the beginning of the most serious recession since the Great Depression. During these anxious times, our church has fared remarkably well, thanks to you, our members and friends, who have been incredibly generous in your giving. Also, since our lay-leaders and staff have helped us to live within disciplined and focused budgets, we’ve managed to end the last three recessionary years “in the black.”

This time of year, most of us evaluate our financial commitments and opportunities. As you do that, I want you to update you on giving to the 2011 budget and on pledges to the 2012 Budget. I invite you to think and pray about steps you could take to help our church’s mission and ministry to remain vital.

Finishing 2011 Strong: Worries about the economy and the roller-coaster performance of the stock market have resulted in a shortfall in giving to this year’s budget. By the end of this November, we had received about $95,000 less than by the end of November of 2010. While we always receive a significant part of our income from tithes and offerings in December, this December will need to be an exceptionally strong month for us to be able to end the year in a positive position.

Commitments to 2012 Budget: Ongoing economic anxieties are affecting pledging to the 2012 Budget. The times are still difficult for many of our members, some of whom are looking for work. They are doing all they can simply to make ends meet, keep their homes, and support the church in whatever ways they can manage. Others have told me that they plan to give; but, with the uncertainties they face, they are reluctant to say how much. Based on the pledges we have received and other anticipated income, the Finance Committee will recommend revisions to reduce the proposed 2012 Budget. We will have a Special Business Meeting at the conclusion of both worship services on December 18 to vote on those revisions. Click here to see the Aprroved 2012 Budget and the Proposed Revised 2012 Budget.

In these challenging times there are opportunities:

1. Are you willing and able to complete your current year giving, and make an additional offering beyond your original plan? Because of the challenges others have faced, your faithful and sacrificial giving are vital to our fulfilling our 2011 commitments to missions and ministry.

2. Could you reconsider, and increase, a pledge you’ve already made to the 2012 Budget? And if you haven’t made a 2012 pledge, could you do so now? Additional commitments would give us greater confidence about the year ahead.

Thankfully, this season isn’t all about money; it’s all about Jesus! The good news of Christmas is that God comes to us in Jesus and fills us with hope, peace, joy and love. The reason our thoughtful pledging and generous giving matter is that they are ways we can share in making that good news known to our community and world. Thank you for thinking and praying about helping us in these ways.

A version of this message accompanied a recent giving statement. If you want to modify your pledge or to arrange for a stock gift, please contact Wally Davids, our Finance and Operations Manager, at (828) 252-4781 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .