The 2019 Pledge theme is Generations of Generosity. For generations, our church has been an active presence in the city of Annapolis. Over the past 170 years, our congregation has had many ministers, members, visitors, and mission partnerships, all supported by the financial gifts of those who care deeply about the church.
As you probably know, our church is currently in a time of transition. For the first time in 19 years, we are beginning the journey to find a new lead pastor. On top of this pastoral transition, many strong financial supporters in the past year have retired and moved away, received job transfers, or had their circumstances change. The loss of these strong supporters will challenge our ability to fund the church budget for the upcoming year.
We approach next year’s budget challenges, however, from a position of great strength. Thanks to your generosity, the church recently conducted a highly successful capital campaign. In light of this strength, we have set a goal of $880,000 for the 2019 Stewardship Campaign, a 10% increase to our current annual giving.
We believe a 10% increase to our annual giving is achievable if each of us takes time to reflect upon our commitment to doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God. Please pray and consider increasing your gift for 2019 or by making a gift for the first time.
We ask all to provide an estimate of your giving for 2019.
Yes, that’s a change for 2019. You will be asked for an ‘estimate’ of your giving rather than a ‘pledge.’ This change in terminology reflects current practice in many churches and better describes what First Presbyterian needs from you. We don’t need a binding contract (and we never have). What we need is as accurate an estimate as you can make of what you will give next year, whether it’s $20 or $20,000. This allows us to make a reasonable budget for the year. We’ll still send you statements to remind you where you are with your estimate, but we understand that sometimes circumstance change and some givers might not be able to give as much as they expected (and maybe some will be able to give more!).
Give us your estimate of your annual gift using whichever of the following is easiest for you:
- Online.
- Call the church office, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm at (410) 267-8705.
- Email the Business Manager at businessmanager@annapolis-presbyterian.com.
- Mail an Estimated Giving card to 171 Duke of Gloucester St., Annapolis MD 21401.
- Return an Estimated Giving card in the offering plate during Sunday worship.
