Fall is a time for reconnection and renewal in many facets of our lives. Our church is no exception as we come together again after summer to start new sermon themes, church school programming, outreach initiatives, and spiritual discoveries. Part of our reconnection and renewal is our financial recommitment to our church during our Stewardship campaign. Our theme this year is “Celebrating Our Past, Committing to Our Future”. The Bible verse providing spiritual guidance is Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”
The past year we have celebrated and reflected on the strength and presence our church has been for 175 years. Now we are looking to the future and how we can be here for another 175 years or more. The past several years, our church has had a deficit budget. For the coming year, the Stewardship Board wants to be honest and realistic with the congregation regarding the financial needs of the church. We are faithfully requesting that the total amount pledged be increased by 15% in order to have a balanced budget. We can achieve this increase by individually increasing our pledge amount or by increasing the number of pledges that are made by those who have not committed previously or by those who are new to our congregation. Your decision on how much to pledge will remain a private conversation within your household guided by reflection with God. Pledges can be made by pledge card which will be mailed out at the beginning of November, online through the website, or by using the QR code in the bulletin. In the spirit of a future with hope, we rely on our congregation to fulfill the commitment to our financial needs.
Karen von Loesecke
Stewardship Board Chair
