Giving Back
From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. –Luke 12:48
Giving is a sign of a mature Christian. When we release our resources (money, possessions, talents and time) to support God’s work in the world, we demonstrate faith and show gratitude. Our heavenly Father has blessed us with life and family and opportunities. By freely giving, we trust that God will continue to give blessings and we show our gratitude by dedicating a portion of God’s blessings to support the church’s work. Our giving funds the ministry of our congregation, the maintenance of our facilities, the support of our staff, and funding of missions that reach those in need in our community and throughout the world. We give from our income, from our accumulated resources, from our talents and of our time. All are important and necessary for us to do God’s work in the world. One final thing: Christian giving isn’t about giving till it hurts; it’s about proportional giving. The tithe (or a tenth) has been the standard since the days of Abraham. Our Spiritual health isn’t determined by how much we give, but by our giving heart. An example is the widow who gave the mite and was recognized by Jesus.
Ways to Give
Regular Gifts:
During worship services: Offerings are collected at Sunday morning worship services. All you have to do is place your offering (cash or check) into the basket that is passed during the service. If you would like, there are envelopes to be found in the attendance pads which can be used to place a cash offering. Please remember that if you plan to use your giving as a tax deduction, you must give in a way that our financial manager will know who you are and can generate a statement that you can use to support your deduction. To insure that you receive such credit, if you give cash, please use an envelope and clearly write your name on the outside.
Online Giving: Online giving allows for a specific dollar amount to be automatically deducted from a bank or credit card account. You can set this up as a one-time or recurring gift. Online giving is not only easy, but safe and secure and you will soon be able to do this website.
Automatic Account Withdrawal: If you desire not to give through debit or credit cards, one can still set up an automatic account withdrawal through your bank (providing your bank has an automatic bill pay program). Ask your banker for help in setting up this kind of arrangement.
By Mail: Mail your donation to First Presbyterian Church, 405 N. M-37 Hwy, Hastings, MI 49058. Be sure to include your name and address on the check or envelope so that donation credit may be provided for tax purposes.
Other methods: One can also give stocks, bonds, securities and real estate to support the work of the church. Talk to our Finance Manager or to one of the Elders in charge of Stewardship in order to make such a gift.
Special Gifts…
Endowment Fund: Our congregation maintains an endowment in which the income from the funds is used to support the ministries and missions of the church. Many of these funds have been generated from wills and bequests given to the church. In this way, a member can “endow” their gift to the church, ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy the same benefits that they have had as a member. The principle of the endowment funds are maintained in perpetuity as only 5% of the fund can be used within any one year. Currently we have endowment funds that support our general budget, our youth mission trip, college and seminary scholarships, Noah’s Ark ministries, building maintenance and youth leadership opportunities. To give money to an endowment or to set up a new endowment, speak with our Financial Manager.
Building Fund: We maintain a building fund that is used to fund new construction projects and to pay off our current mortgage on our new building. To give to this fund, one will only have to designate the gift toward the building fund.
Memorial Fund: Gifts in memory or in honor of others are deposited into the memorial fund and used to purchase special items that the church needs. When a memorial gift is received, the Financial Manager sends an acknowledgment to the family or the individual being honored.
Special Appeals: The Session (governing body) will ask, from time to time, a special offering to be received to support the mission work of the church. Recently, such appeals have raised support for the Soup Kitchen at the Methodist Church, for Love Inc, and for disaster relief efforts (hurricanes, tornadoes, tsunamis, etc). Special gifts can be received during a regular offering (just designate where the gift is to be credited) or through this web page.
First Presbyterian Church is blessed by the generosity of our members and friends and thankful for everyone who supports God’s work through our ministry and mission.
