Stewardship and Estimated Giving

Stewardship

In 2020 we continue with our Generations of Generosity initiative 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.

Our church is 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.

As a result, 2019 was a very challenging budget year. Yet, we showed resiliency and even welcomed new

members to our community during that time.

Recognizing these challenges, the Generosity Team reached out and sought your input, comments and ideas on the

church’s funding priorities for 2020 through interviews, a survey and listening sessions. We are now incorporating

what you have told us about your priorities and ideas for new revenue opportunities and attracting new members into

development of the 2020 budget. Our overall goal for the 2020 budget is to restore the funding levels to those in

2018 and establish a framework for a stable budget for the next 3-5 years. With your support, we will achieve the top

three priorities identified for 2020 funding:

• support our staff, two full-time called pastors, and music program

• expand our outreach and partnerships in the local community by restore funding to mission programs

• maintain our place as a downtown church

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.

Your Gift Matters

Your stewardship gift enables First Presbyterian Church to minister to the needs of the local and global community, to celebrate with worship and music, to engage members in education and service, to maintain our historic property, and to pay our clergy and staff.

Your gift also empowers the church’s leadership to plan wisely for the short and longer term. When people submit a written estimate of giving, church officers can discern the amount of predictable funds available to maintain a responsible budget and plan for future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I provide an estimate of giving?

There are several ways you can make a pledge; use the online pledge form; complete the pledge card included in the Stewardship brochure, and returning it to the church office or the collection plate during worship; or contact the business manager at businessmanager@annapolis-presbyterian.com, or call 410-267-8705 ext 107.

When can I provide an estimate of giving?

A pledge can be made at any time of the year for the remainder of that year; or during the annual pledge drive, which typically occurs between October and December, for the next year's budget.

How do I give my gift?
You can request weekly offering envelopes, ask the church to set up automatic giving (MasterCard, Visa, or EFT), or set up and manage a recurring donation online. You will be prompted to choose an option when you make your estimate.

What’s the difference between online giving and making an online estimate of giving?

The online pledge is a simple way to tell the church how much you plan to give in the coming year. Online giving is one option to fulfill your pledge. You may use our secure site to set up a recurring payment.

I take my commitments seriously. I’m thinking about pledging, but I’m concerned about my employment status. If I have a change in my status, can I adjust my pledge?
Yes, your estimate of giving can be changed or cancelled at any time for any reason in a confidential way. Just contact our Business Manager at businessmanager@annapolis-presbyterian.com or 410-267-8705 ext. 107.

I’m a young adult and don’t have a lot to give right now. Will my pledge of a small amount make a difference?
Yes! If everyone who hasn’t been giving committed to give (regardless of the amount), the church could surpass our current level of giving. Your gift makes a great deal of difference.

What does it mean to be a good steward?
In modern terms, a steward is a "manager," given responsibility to administer faithfully all that God has entrusted to us—making a difference in the world as a follower of Jesus Christ.

I have given faithfully in the past, but I have never made a formal pledge. Why should I?
We appreciate all gifts made to the church, but formal pledges help us financially plan for program ministries and outreach.

When does my estimate of giving amount go into effect?
January 1 of the new year.

Will First Presbyterian Church send me statements?
Yes, if you give, you will receive a quarterly statement of your contributions for your tax records and to confirm the accuracy of our records.

If you have any questions about giving or pledging, please contact Dottie Ballard, our Business Manager, at 410-267-8705, ext. 107 or businessmanager@annapolis-presbyterian.com.