Top Ten Reasons
March 24, 2010
Dear Friends,
Here’s hoping you appreciate straight talk and candor. If so, read on.
Rev. Dave’s top ten reasons to increase your pledge to First Church during the current Stewardship Drive:
1. You’re concerned that church income from non-pledge sources is certain to decrease this year while expenses will of course increase. You know that if your pledge stays the same, you are in effect voting for cuts in staff, program, and outreach. (Increasing your pledge by at least twenty percent will help First Church move forward.)
2. You want to get your new shared ministry off on the right foot, welcoming your new senior minister and family into a community of generosity.
3. You want to see the new social justice and community outreach initiatives funded.
4. Fear of recession limited your giving last year; now you feel more confident about the economy.
5. You are a lover of beauty and nature, and want to see landscaping and ‘curb appeal’ improvements around your church home.
6. You love the church staff members, and want to make sure they are fairly compensated.
7. You think it’s time to resume repayment of the Endowment loan.
8. You are inspired to know that some leading givers are actually doubling their pledge, giving five percent or more of income, and that experience proves most could do the same, never miss the money, and feel really good about it.
9. You’ve finally found out what that big red heart sculpture is doing in the Sanctuary, and want to provide the modest funds needed to permanently install it at SEARCH Homeless Services headquarters as a sign of our partnership.
10. You know that your own big heart will benefit considerably.
Of course, I could go on and list dozens more needs and wishes: funds for a richer R.E. program, scholarships to leadership development opportunities, special guests who will help grow your soul…but I think you probably get it. Now you can give it. By heart.
A final note to those whose finances may make this a less than welcome list: If you are having trouble putting food on the table, buying school supplies for your kids, or paying the rent, let me know. There is a special fund at First Church to help meet such needs. Most of us have been through rough times at one time or another. Don’t hesitate to ask for help; chances are it will be gladly given in complete confidence.
See you in four days at Celebration Sunday.
Best,
David
