Seeing Stewardship in Stockton A look at 2012 and the future

Thank You! ► Stewardship has many directions that it takes. The focus of this power point is financial stewardship. ► You also express stewardship through your time, sharing your talents, building relationships and being open to how God will use you in this congregation.

What is Stewardship? ► Steward is an old word for ‘care taker’. ► As stewards, we take care of the gifts that God has given us.

A Snapshot of 2012 ► The Church received $97, ► This came from a variety of sources. The biggest was your weekly giving at $81, ► Other sources were special offerings, rental income, ‘other’ income (like the bazaar) and investment income.

General Overview of 2012 Budget ► Staff $71, ► Ministry $3, (led by Session committees) (led by Session committees) ► Mission work $ ► Property $21, ► Office/Other $3, ► Final, complete numbers will be part of 2012 Annual Report

Total 2012 Expenses ► Total Expenses: $107, ► Total Giving $97, (9,746.38) (9,746.38) How did we bridge the 2012 deficit?

Bridging the 2012 Deficit ► Two ways: 1. What was in the checking account at 1. What was in the checking account at the end of 2011 (approximately $3,200) the end of 2011 (approximately $3,200) 2. Borrowing from our investments 2. Borrowing from our investments --$4,000 in July --$4,000 in July --$2,500 in October --$2,500 in October

Our Vanguard Investments ► After dipping into our investments, there is approximately $15,000 left in the investment accounts. ► Taking into account some principle that should not be touched, that would leave about 2 years of money, if we borrowed at the 2012 rate.

So, the Strategic Question is… ► Can we increase our giving as a congregation by $6,500-$8,000 as to not rely on the investment money. ► Session will have its second reading of the budget in January. But the $8,000 covers $1,500 in projected increased expenses for 2013.

When You Think About It… ► 65 members bridging the gap of $6500 is $100 per member. 65 members bridging the gap of $8,000 is $120 per member. ► $100 per member is $1.93 more per week. ► $120 per member is $2.30 more per week.

2013 Stewardship ► This year, we will have our first stewardship campaign since ► All and any giving to God, should be done as an act of worship, with gladness, faith, love and generosity. We celebrate what God is doing in our common life together!

Pledge Cards ► Are one way that churches have tried to help prepare a responsible budget. You can download a pledge card on our website. Or contact the church and we will send you one. It looks like this… Stockton Presbyterian Church 2013 Pledge 22 South Main Streetstocktonpresbyterian.org Name:______________________________________________ Amount Pledged: ________total for the year, or _________per week that I worship “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not to what one does not have” the Apostle Paul, in II Corinthians 8:12 NOTE: A pledge is simply an anticipated gift that helps the leadership of the church prepare the budget. It is flexible if unexpected, major life changes occur. Please return during your worship attendance in January. Stewardship Sunday is January 27th. Thank you for all of the ways you have supported in the past, present and future.

Scripture to Consider… ► The Apostle Paul writes… For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not to what one does not have For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not to what one does not have --II Corinthians 8:12 --II Corinthians 8:12

What Does This Mean? ► Talking about the financial gifts that make a congregation happen isn’t about fear or guilt, or something imagined (“what one does not have”) ► Stewardship is a way to honor God, by a willing heart, and an individual (family), honest reflection of how God has been generous to you.

In Short… ► Thank you. ► Thank you for your part in this congregation’s story. ► Thank you for your generosity. ► You are appreciated for all you are, and all the ways you show it.

Quick Notes ► Pastor Ken or the Elders are always willing to talk about any questions you have. ► Final numbers will be presented at the annual meeting. ► These slides are meant to help focus on the opportunity to be generous to the life of this congregation.