As most of you may be aware, the Stewardship Committee has begun our annual campaign early this year. We have much to celebrate because Zion has said YES to God’s Ministries this year. We have turned on the faucet for several ministries:
Þ We have distributed over 66% of this year’s available Endowment funds to various missions.
Þ We have undertaken a significant sanctuary renovation project with some seed money from a directed fund.
Þ We have said YES to a new staff position and have provided enough directed funds to cover the 2017 portion of the salary.
But there is more we can do. In order to continue Zion’s mission into 2018, we need to turn the faucet on so we can return to raising enough money in the General Fund to resupply the Capital Reserve, replenish the Operating Reserve, increase our Mission Support, and fund the new staff position.
To accomplish this, the Stewardship Committee will be expressing proportional giving as part of the every member response for 2018. There are many references to proportional giving in the Bible. Most refer to it as “tithing”.
- Genesis 14:19-20; 28:20-22
- Leviticus 27:30-34
- Numbers 18:21 and 26
- Deuteronomy 12:5-6; 14:22-29, 16:17
- Malachi 3: 8-9; 10-12
- Nehemiah 10:35-37
- Amos 4:4-5
- 2 Chronicles 31:4-5
“Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that He has given you.” Deuteronomy 16:17
Think of your checkbook as a theological document. It shows who and what you worship.
In September, the Stewardship Committee will continue to provide Temple Talks and start the annual pledging campaign. You will be receiving a reminder letter from the Stewardship Committee with a pledge card included (example below). Commitment Sunday will be early this year, September 24th as the need to support current and future mission needs are being considered seriously. Please consider providing your pledge to the General Fund for 2018, and completing a pledge card for the Stewardship Committee. This process supports the 2018 budgeting process as well as mission planning for the coming year. Let us continue to say YES to God’s Ministries in 2018!
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