~ CONTRIBUTE ~
Our church community is one best described by the phrase, “with glad and generous hearts,” a term first used to describe the early Christians. Facing hardship and challenges they witnessed to the world the powerful good news of Christ’s love and grace by their outreach to others.
There are many ways to give witness at our church. People give their time. They give their talents and abilities. And they give their financial resources.
Ways We Can Contribute:
Time & Talents
Volunteer your time and share your talents in helping our church, reaching out to our city and involving yourself and others in the world – Serve & Connect. Some of our commitments require more time than others, but we have something for everyone and it is a wonderful way to get to know people if you are new to our church.
Stewardship
We give back in gratitude for all that has been bestowed upon us. Commitment Sunday takes place in October and people are asked to pledge their support at that time.
Many people feel that an intentional program of giving such as their annual pledge is a kind of spiritual discipline like prayer and worship and it helps them feel closer to God and more linked to our church and its work. We encourage our children and youth to join the adults in this commitment.
Our annual gifts provide for our many forms of worship, help us teach children and adults about our faith, supply funds for local agencies outside the church, support the work of mission in faraway places, work for peace, welcome visitors, keep our church and grounds well maintained and gives us the ability to support one another.
Envelopes are distributed to those who pledge. Some people give each Sunday. Others prefer to give monthly or annually. A pledge is not binding – we realize the difficult times some families are encountering these days. All gifts, large and small, are our way of being a part of First Presbyterian’s ministry and mission.
If you are a visitor look for an envelope found in each pew in which you may put either cash or a check (made out to First Presbyterian Church – Sarasota). If you do not have the means to give a gift, you are still very welcome to always be a part of our church.
Endowment
Our endowment fund is an accumulation of gifts over many decades that supports the life of the church. The funds are invested and only the interest is used each year. There are many uses – maintenance and repair of the church, scholarships, mission support beyond the annual fund budget, and discretionary funding that is spent upon approval of the Session. A gift to the endowment is a way of ensuring a lasting legacy from you to First Presbyterian Church.
Some people give to endowment through their estate plans and the donor is recognized as a member of the Covenant Society when giving gifts through their wills or other means of planning giving. Others give a large gift with a specific purpose in mind other than those already mentioned. To discuss any gift to the endowment, call the Finance Manager at 941-955-8119, extension 101, or speak to one of the Pastors. This is especially important if you are considering a narrowly restricted use of your gifts.
Memorial Gifts
Financial gifts can be given to our church in memory of, or to honor someone, or to recognize a special occasion. Memorial gifts may be given to the church's endowment or to the annual fund or they may be given for a specific purpose. Please call one of the Pastors or the Finance Manager to discuss a memorial gift.