Stewardship - Together in Mission
Our Greatest Resources
A letter to the congregation from Pastor Dave Weidlich
Dec. 2010
This is the time of year in which we re-assess our resources as a church and plan for the coming year. Usually we mean to talk about money – giving and budgeting. But, why not take time to re-assess our spiritual resources as well?
As I reflect on the young and expanding church of Jerusalem, I see resources that every church desperately needs today. And the good news is these resources are readily available through the Holy Spirit.
First, the young church was clear on their mission. It’s about making disciples or followers of Jesus Christ. The obstacles were numerous: no buildings and little money, government restrictions and persecution and disputes over theology and priorities within the churches. Yet, the church focused on their mission and found ways to work through or around their obstacles.
One dispute had to do with leadership priorities. In addition, the dispute was complicated by racial overtones. The Grecians in the Jerusalem church complained that their widows and orphans were not getting the food and clothing in the same way as the Jewish orphans and widows. The apostles met to listen and resolve the problem. It’s recorded in Acts 6. The dispute provided an opportunity to re-assess their ministry priorities and devise a new plan for getting back on target with their mission. “Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.” Acts 6:3-4
In acknowledging the problem they reaffirmed the importance of dual (and sometimes dueling) priorities – preaching the Good News to those who have not heard and caring for the needs of the congregation. Their solution is a good model for us. Our church follows their example. Our Deacons care for the physical needs of the congregation and our Session is responsible for the spiritual ministries of the congregation. Our Session, including the pastor is also responsible for proclaiming the Good News of Jesus to those outside the church.
Occasionally, we struggle over our priorities. In every case, we must re-affirm our dual responsibilities – to those in the church and those outside the church. It’s not one or the other. Our priorities are church and community.
In addition to clarity of mission, the church ministered with great authority. Jesus gave them power over heaven and hell. “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19) As apostles, elders and church members shared their faith with words and service, they did so with remarkable power. They had the authority of the Word of God – they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42) and they had the power of the Holy Spirit at work in and through them.
We have the same resources as the early church. We have the clear call of Jesus Christ to make disciples of every people group. And we have the power of biblical authority and the filling of the Holy Spirit. In addition, we have resources the early church never dreamed of – phones, websites and email, buildings, cars and money. Let’s be certain that we understand our priorities. And let’s be sure we tap into those indispensible resources that we share with God’s people in every age.
God’s Grace and Peace,
Dave Weidlich
Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Petaluma
A Letter from the Stewardship Team, Nov. 1, 2010
Dear FPC Petaluma Members and Friends,
It is Stewardship Season! It is time for us to look at how we can grow together as a church in Mission. Our planning for 2011 begins with prayerful consideration of our giving for the coming year. We have included a commitment card with this letter. Please fill this out and bring it to church on November 14th, which will be Commitment Dedication Sunday.
You will see that we have included the Ray Swain Building Fund on our commitment cards this year. We hope that you will read the breakdown below of the General Fund detail and the description of the Ray Swain Fund before estimating your annual giving to each for 2011.
Financial Commitment Needs - 2011 General Fund
Estimated Expenses
The expense side of FPCP’s budget has two parts: 1st is Overhead/Administration; 2nd is Ministry/Programs.
Ministry/Programs (see chart below) includes the Commissions; Worship, Student Ministries (Children, Youth, Happy Day), Membership (Outreach and Congregational Care), Mission (Local), Adult, Stewardship. It also includes line items for the Board of Deacons and Miscellaneous.
At this time, the total 2011 expense to the General Fund is estimated to be approximately $380,000.
2011 Ray Swain Building Fund
Debt Repayment and Deferred Maintenance Needs
FPCP’s current mortgage is just under $300,000, and our monthly debt repayment is $2,385. This monthly payment is amortized over 15 years, and is set until 2014, when the loan must be renewed or paid in full. This debt is repaid from the Ray Swain Building Fund (RSBF). You will be asked to make a financial commitment to the RSBF as well as to the General Fund. The General Fund is not used for debt repayment.
In Christ,
The Stewardship Ministry Team
Download the Financial Commitment Card
