Click here to view the Twenty Financial Principles the Session Approved for the Business Office's Operations .
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Budget
What does First Church do with the money I pledge?
Once pledges are turned in, they are totaled and form the basis for the operating budget. This budget is based on the total pledges plus any additional income from other sources. It is important that each member family make a pledge. This enables the Session to budget accurately for the next fiscal year. The pledge is also recorded in your individual Giving Record maintained by the church office. It will be reflected on your quarterly statement and allow you to monitor your giving throughout the year.
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Can I see a copy of the budget?
Yes, the budget is available to any member. Just contact the Business Office for a copy.
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What is the budget process? Can I have an input?
Every year the ministries and program committees of the Session and the Deacons are asked to review their current spending and to project next year's needs based on project requirements. The Stewardship and Finance Committee then assembles this data into a proposed budget for the following year. Often the competing requests must be scaled back to keep the budget achievable. Session votes on the proposal. The budget is funded primarily through pledged giving of the congregation. When all pledge cards have been returned, the Session must then approve a final budget based on actual pledges received. Top of Page
Who decides how our funds get spent?
Church projects are managed by elected officers serving on the Session and Board of Deacons. Each ministry or program committee consists several elders or deacons and volunteer congregational members. Ministry committees combine continuing projects with future projects to derive spending requirements for their programs.Top of Page
Do church funds get audited? Are the results public?
Independent audits are performed annually by congregational members who are trained in finance or accounting and who have had no current working relationship with the Business Office or the Stewardship and Finance Committee. If you would like to see the results, please contact Business Manager, Steve Hawk, in the church office.
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Why do we spend our money outside the church?
The spending life of the church as a whole is similar to that of any Christian family. Much of the spending goes to satisfy internal requirements, while a significant amount is given to worthy needs in the community and throughout the world.
Pledging
Why does the church ask for money?
As Christians we are called to be charitable. The church is not some remote and inhuman organization. The church is us, all of us. Like any organization, the church needs funds to operate and maintain the building, pay our clergy and staff, and pursue Christian activities within the church and in the community. We, the members, contribute the money which the church must have to do all these things.Top of Page
Why should I participate in church finances?
Each church member is a vital part of the Body of Christ on this earth. We Christians are filled with love and joy given to us by the Grace of God through Jesus Christ. From this joy proceeds a natural desire to involve ourselves in the life of our church, including its financial life. We do this through making and fulfilling our annual pledges.Top of Page
What pledge level is right for me?
The Bible typically claims ten percent, or a tithe, as the proper amount to return to God from the bounty which he has provided us. First Church encourages people to give as generously as they are able. One elder pointed out that Jesus told the Rich Young Ruler to sell all that he had and give to the poor. You must identify your own standard, all you have or 10%? Can you live on 90% and give the rest to God?Top of Page
Is my pledge confidential?
Pledges are completely confidential. Only the Business Office manager sees pledge data with names attached. That data is always treated confidentially to preserve the privacy of the individual. Top of Page
How do I pay my pledge?
There are several ways to fulfill your annual pledge. All members who have not indicated they do not want them receive a box of giving envelopes that may be used to submit your gifts. These envelopes allow the financial staff to properly credit your payments. (Please see the question on electronic funds transfer or credit card use for more information on this subject.) Top of Page
May I use electronic funds transfer or a credit card to pay my pledge?
Yes! First Church suggests you consider electronic funds transfer (EFT) from your bank account as a convenient and reliable way to make your periodic pledge payments. Or, you may use a Visa or Master Charge credit card to pay any church contributions or expenses. Please contact Steve Hawk in the Business Office to learn more or make such an arrangement.Top of Page
This has been a difficult time for me financially. Why is First Church asking me to increase my pledge amount?
Most of us have been negatively impacted by the economy and the poor stock market performance over the past few years. The needs of the church continue to increase despite the state of the economy as we grow and take on more projects, particularly related to community outreach and youth programs. Those of us who have the means to contribute need to support these programs as much as possible. Top of Page
Why pledge at all? Why shouldn't I just put $10 in the offering plate on Sunday?
Our pledge does many things. First, as we participate in Stewardship Sunday every fall, we publicly proclaim our involvement in and support of our church. This is a very uplifting experience for families and for the church as a whole. Second, pledging allows us to properly budget our giving, and provides us a means to work toward the proper pledge level. Third, pledging allows the church to anticipate annual revenues and properly budget church finances. Top of Page
Can I designate my pledge to specific items?
Regular pledges are all used to fund the annual operating budget, and therefore are not usually designated to specific budget items. If you have a specific mission or other project you wish to target, please consider making an additional designated gift. There are also several opportunities for planned giving where First Church is included in your estate planning.Top of Page
Can I make a pledge other than cash?
Yes, First Church can accept non-cash donations such as stocks, bonds, property or other readily convertible assets. Please contact our Business Manager, Steve Hawk, in the church Business Office for information regarding these types of donations. Top of Page
If I don't agree with the direction First Church is moving, why should I pledge?
Presbyterians believe that God's will is expressed through the efforts and prayers of the Body of Christ. Concerning the "direction" in which First Church is moving, the Session and the Board of Deacons, through prayer and much effort, develop ministries and programs which they feel express God's call to service. Individuals should always contribute their thoughts and concerns. Membership trust and support of these church officers' decisions are crucial to ensure the ministries' success and will help in their growth. Financial support of the church should not be conditioned upon complete approval or satisfaction with the direction the church seems to be going at any given moment. The best way to have an effect on the direction of the church is to become involved. Contribute your time and talent, don't withhold your support. Top of Page
Where can I get information on budgeting issues?
You may attend the meeting of any ministry or program committee in which you are interested. These meetings are listed on the church calendar in the bulletin each Sunday morning. You may also ask an elder or pastor or the Business Manager to help you locate someone to talk to about budget issues. Inquiries and inputs from church members are most welcome.
