Giving
John Wesley urged those in connection with him to "Earn all you can and save all you can, so that you can give all you can." He modeled modest living and sacrificial giving. Wesley made sure those early classes of "methodists" took weekly offerings for outreach.
A statement from Dan Camp, Senior Pastor
"As you commit to Seeking God, Knowing Christ and Sharing His love through giving, you are engaging in an act of worship, acknowledging that everything you have is a gift from God. Each year, as we set our financial priorities, we are committing to an investment in God's work through our church and ministries. We are making a financial commitment to changing lives in our church, our community and our world."
Today at First Church, we passionately support missions at home and around the world, we care for those in our church and community and we seek to grow spiritually. Just as Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes when the crowd grew hungry, we are seeking God, knowing Christ and sharing His love through our ministry of giving.
Annual Commitment - What is expected?
Our annual giving commitment represents an act of worship in which we thank God for our blessings and acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from God.
Giving begins with prayer, thanking God for His many blessings and asking God for guidance and discernment. Our offerings express both a desire to serve Christ and invest in God’s work.
• Tithe - The Bible teaches us to give a tithe, or the first ten percent of what we earn, to God and God’s work. Some will give far in excess of this.
• Grow - For others, giving ten percent is a goal to grow toward each year. Beginning with proportionate and regular giving and then determining a percentage to increase each year until reaching the goal of giving ten percent.
• New to giving? - FUMC is a diverse church, which is reflected in the giving patterns. Annual commitments range from under $100 to over $40,000. The average is $5000. Each family will find the giving level that is right for them.
Why do I need to turn in a Estimate of Giving card each year?
- Our giving may change due to changes in our financial situations.
- If we are growing in our faith, our annual commitment should reflect that growth.
- The church develops a ministry plan each year, based upon the commitments of our congregation.
What if financial hardship prohibits me from making a commitment this year?
God honors faithfulness. Acceptance at FUMC is not based on your capacity to give. We ask that everyone make an annual commitment even if it is a limited financial commitment at this time. Commitments may be adjusted at any time.
Automatic Bank Draft
Automatic Bank Draft is the easiest, most cost-effective giving option for both you and the church.
This method
- reinforces your commitment to give to God first
- reduces the cost of processing your gift, and
- reduces the cost of mailing envelopes.
Also for your convenience, giving commitments may be fulfilled by stock donations to the church. Stock gifts can be processed by calling the Finance Office for assistance.