Stewardship at First Presbyterian Church Stewardship Home | Programs supported through our stewardship Family program blessings | Community outreach blessings | Music Ministry blessings Christian education blessings | Pastoral care blessings Questions about stewardship | Stewardship Commitment Sunday Stewardship 2008 - "Counting On Our Blessings" Update, February 24 In times of pastoral transition, it is typical for congregations to see a decline in donations. We are pleased and proud to share the news that FPC is bucking that trend. Rather than decrease, the amount pledged has increased. Our congregation has made clear that we value the work we're doing together, and we know that many people are counting on our blessings. Our community has pledged $1,042,143 for God's work through our congregation in 2008! We still expect to receive a few more pledges from those who have pledged in the past but have not yet committed for this year. The average pledge increased by 13%, and 42 made pledges for the first time. In life and death (and in transition times) we belong to God and our gifts come from God. Our heartfelt thanks to all who increased their pledges, began pledging for the first time or faithfully continued their pledge commitment. Our community, both locally and around the world, can truly "count on our blessings!" The 2008 Stewardship Team: Steve Primack (Chair), Lauren Deming, Tom Green, Brad Halverson, Linda and Tim Killen, and MaryKay West Now the Lord said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you, and make your name great so that you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:1-2 Counting On Our Blessings God blesses us richly. That would be reason enough to give thankfully and generously in this year's stewardship campaign. To name only a few of the most obvious things, God blesses us with a breathtaking sanctuary, with a rich music program, with success in overwhelming projects like the new garage and plaza, and with the fellowship we have with one another. Quite beyond all this, however, the Stewardship Committee is asking the members of FPC to consider another important way that God bestows his blessings, namely, that God blesses other people through us. That is, we need to consider how many people in Portland, and around the world, are "Counting On Our Blessings." For many people, FPC is the face of God and the source of his blessings. Think about that: God's blessings not only come to us, but flow through us to others. What a privilege and an honor God has given to us to represent God in the world! Whose blessings can the homeless in downtown Portland count on? Ours. Whose blessings can newcomers to America count on when they need help learning the language? Ours. Whose blessings can the victims of Hurricane Katrina count on? Ours. Whose blessings can people count on when they need encouragement and spiritual renewal? Ours. These are just a few of the many and various ways in which God blesses people through our church community. We need to continue this tradition at FPC, sharing God's blessings with the world, even as we are blessed. So: Who is counting on your blessings? Who is counting on our blessings? Prayerfully consider your ability to pledge and give. Dare to trust God's generous blessings to you. You can never out-give God. The 2008 Stewardship Team: Steve Primack (Chair), Lauren Deming, Tom Green, Brad Halverson, Linda and Tim Killen, MaryKay West Online Giving is now available Online Giving is protected — All transactions are transmitted and stored at the highest level of security possible. Access to donor information is restricted, with no need for multiple staff to record giving activity. Online Giving is easy – Just follow these five simple steps: Follow the link from our Web site or notify our office of your interest in online giving and include your home e-mail address. We will create an online account for you and send an email notification of how to access it. The first time that you open your account, you will be prompted to define your password. You then indicate the bank account(s) and/or credit card(s) that you will use for online giving. Enter a one-time gift or set up automated contributions, and you're done!