“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” –Matthew 9: 35-38
God has blessed us greatly this year! New “laborers for the harvest” have joined us. People have been baptized. Others have been healed. Many others have grown closer to Christ, found a place to belong, found a place to serve. God, in other words, has also made us a blessing. Missionaries have been sent. Hungry people have been fed. A new Christian school was born. The list goes on. Seattle First is making a difference. Your generous support of God’s mission in 2011 is a big part of that. For that, we simply want to say thanks you!
We also look forward to 2012, anticipating that God will make us an even greater blessing to one another and the world. With Pledge Sunday coming up, this is an important time in the life of our congregation as we make plans or the coming year. Making wise plans includes anticipating our financial resources. Your financial pledge is an important part of that. The purpose of this post is to help you prepare to make your pledge for 2012 with a grateful and hopeful heart. Here are a few resources to help you prepare:
Sermon Series: From November 6-20, our “Living the Mystery” sermon series, based on Colossians 1, explores the Biblical truth that all things are created “for Christ,” the mystery of “Christ in you,” and how living this mystery shapes a faithful stewardship of our time, talent and treasure. To read more about the series or listen online, go the home page, www.firstpres.org.
Thank-You Notes: We give out of gratitude for God’s provision, and also for what our giving accomplishes. Each Sunday someone will offer a thank-you for the support that made possible some aspect of God’s mission and ministry through SFPC in 2011. Look for future posts, as well, to learn more about “where the money goes” and what it accomplishes.
FAQs: Your Generosity Team (a group of members that guides the pledging process), has written answers to frequently asked questions about tithing and pledging. You can find them posted below.
Personal Income Assessment: What will the sources of your 2012 income be and what would it look like to give back 10% to God’s Kingdom purposes through SFPC? This simple form can be a helpful tool for answering those questions, and there may be some surprising sources. The assessment is posted below.
Congregational Update: Stay tuned for a congregational update, designed to answer the question, “So what’s going on at the church?” One of our goals in 2012 is more frequent and detailed communication about the life and growth of our congregation. So, watch for the first installment in the coming days.
Pledge Cards: Pledge cards are available in the church office and in the Chapel on Sunday. If you would like one sent by email, contact office@firstpres.org.