Doug Stone, Stewardship Committee chair

As we are approaching the end of the year, it is that time when we begin to think about our stewardship plans for the upcoming year.

Thinking about what that means, I did a Google search of stewardship and came up this definition: “the job of taking care of something, such as an organization or property.”

First Presbyterian Church has a long history of members who have participated in the stewardship of the church through both their financial resources and in the time and talents that they have contributed as volunteers in various church ministries.

In spite of everything that has happened this year, that has not changed and we have been blessed by the ongoing commitment of our members and staff in fulfilling God’s work through our church.

This time last year, no one could have predicted a global pandemic or the unsettling events that occurred. However, we have been blessed in many ways:

  • Danny Massie agreed to stay with us past his planned term, and Neil and Dolly and other staff members have worked tirelessly to help us maintain our mission.
  • Financial pledges for 2020 are ahead of schedule through the end of September.
  • The Session and numerous committees have continued to meet “virtually” and important work of the church is being accomplished.
  • The Pastor Nominating Committee continued to work throughout the year and we are, of course, blessed that their efforts have resulted in Jill Duffield as our next senior pastor.

As we look to 2021, there is certainly a lot of uncertainty. However, by the grace of God, we are planning to continue in the work of our church.

You will be seeing more information about stewardship in the coming weeks and I pray that you will be lead to take a leap of faith as you consider how to be a steward of First Presbyterian Church.