Stewardship 2021
In Genesis 1, we read: “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. . . . And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.” God gives us a new beginning every day!
In celebration of that, the theme for this year”s stewardship season is “A New Day Dawns.” It is a New Day, and we have great hope for the future. Psalm 90:14 says “With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness. Then we will sing with joy and celebrate every day we are alive.” (The Voice). How exciting to see the ways we will be surprised with God’s love! What wonderful things are in the future for us? As we see the new day dawning, let us celebrate with thanksgiving every day we are alive.
Each new day is an opportunity to step out in faith. With anticipation of what our new day will hold, I challenge you to renew your financial commitment to Westminster in the same or greater amount than in the past, or to make a commitment for the first time. Choose to be bold in your commitment by prayerfully seeking how God is leading you to share your financial resources, skills, abilities, passions, time, and prayers to contribute to the future of Westminster and our mission to the community.
We all want to return to “normal” – being with loved ones, going places freely, feeling safe, staying healthy, attending worship and participating in mission, ministries and fellowship.
I encourage each of us though, both personally and as a church, to not return to “normal,” but rather to create a “New Day normal” which is different and better. In what innovative ways can we revive our church and community? What new ministries can we begin while keeping the best of the past? Are there ministries and activities we have outgrown and need to pause or put to rest? How is God leading us to reach out to our neighbors? Now is the time to explore possibilities for a new or renewed commitment to the contributions we can make at Westminster and to the larger community. I am excited for what the future will hold!
For more information, see the Frequently Asked Questions below, or feel free to contact Margaret Klammer or any elder.
Frequently Asked Questions
How and when should I submit my pledge commitment?
There are several options:
- Return the commitment card you received in the mail; or
- go to the Westminster website stewardship pledge form and confidentially submit your commitment there; or
- email David Wright, Financial Secretary, or April Wright, Assistant Financial Secretary, with your pledge information.
Please submit your pledge commitment by Friday, May 21, 2021.
If you have other questions about your pledge commitment or online giving, please feel free to contact David Wright, Financial Secretary, or April Wright, Assistant Financial secretary. Please note that David and April are the only ones who will ever see your pledge commitment.
Why does my gift matter?
Our financial commitments directly determine the ways it is possible to live out God’s call for ministry at Westminster through mission and service, education and discipleship, and worship and music. These commitments are for more than what we can do, they are a reflection of who we are as disciples. Offerings of our time, talents and treasures are an expression of gratitude for what God is doing in our lives and in the world.
Why is it important to make a financial commitment for 2020–2021?
Historically, our personal financial commitments comprise approximately 80% of our budgeted receipts. A majority of the remaining revenue comes from building use rental. Although we hope to soon reopen our building to additional renters, there is still much unknown. If there is one feature of the pandemic that has affected virtually everything – including budgeting – it is “uncertainty.” As the Westminster Session manages our finances and budgets in this era of uncertainty, the ability to accurately forecast receipts from our individual commitments is more important than ever.
Didn’t we recently complete a stewardship season?
It does seem that way! Due to the pandemic, we delayed the stewardship season for fiscal year 2020–2021 from May until November of 2020. We are now returning to our spring schedule. This year our stewardship season begins May 2 and culminates on Pentecost Sunday, May 23, for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2021 and runs through June 30, 2022.
What are some spiritual practices I might engage in to celebrate the “dawning of a new day?”
Notice the sunrise and take a picture to remind yourself that a new day dawns every day! Send the picture to Marti Burbeck so she can share it with our Westminster family.
Make a list of anything you feel it is time to let go of. Consider a habit that no longer serves you or others, a regret from the past, or the “if onlys” and “what ifs” that hold you back.
Make a list of things God may be leading you to begin, in your daily life, in your interactions with others, in how you use your time or how you use your talents.
Give thought to what new ministries we might begin at Westminster while keeping the best of the past. What ministries and activities have we outgrown that need to be paused or put to rest? How is God leading us to reach out to our neighbors? Dream big and share your ideas with Rev. DeRosia or an elder.
Incorporate prayers of gratitude in your daily routine. Whether over coffee in the morning or at dinner time, pause for a moment and focus on your breath. Breathe in the gift of the new day and exhale thanking God for whatever is on your heart.