Stewardship and Estimated Giving

Stewardship

2020 continues to be one of the most unique and challenging years any of us have ever seen. Yet we at First Presbyterian of Annapolis remain very blessed and thankful. Because of the continuing generosity of our congregation, our church has been able to continue its mission support in new and unique ways, maintain support to our staff and education programs, and stay on track with most of our budget priorities. Most importantly, 2020 brought us new leadership in Andy and Mihee, providing us excitement and hope for our future as a valued place of worship that we share with each other and our community. And, while we have all missed worshipping in person, on-line worship has sustained our faith and provided us new and unique ways of staying connected as a congregation. There are truly few church families with such tremendous love and care.

As we begin to develop our 2021 budget to continue our work, our annual generosity initiative continues to be a critical part of that planning process. The current approach for the 2021 budget is to largely keep funding levels from the 2020 budget. Our goal is to maintain stable income and expense levels through the first half of 2021 and conduct a mid-year review and address needed adjustments. As we have all recognized this year, we are now living in an ever-changing environment.

With this approach we are again asking you to prayerfully consider a generous gift to the church for 2021. We recognized that a generous gift this year has a different meaning for each of us. For some facing financial setbacks, just giving at the same rate as last year is very generous; and some may have to cut back on their gifts. If your financial situation has not been impacted by the economics from the pandemic, we ask you to consider increasing your gift this year to help fill the gap.

Again, our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued and new support of the ministry, education, worship, and mission of First Presbyterian of Annapolis. With these gifts our members and friends we can remain a sanctuary of worship where countless people have found a spiritual home to nurture and deepen their faith, and be an example of God’s love in our community and around the world.

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.