Dear First Church Community,

First Church’s annual stewardship season begins on Sunday, October 19. During this time, our Church calls on each of us to consider what financial commitment we will make for the coming year.

There are two central elements to this consideration: what does the Church need to carry out its mission, and what financial commitment expresses my support for the Church given my circumstances. During the stewardship season we will hear much more about these. Council and commissions are preparing an “asking budget,” which reflects an aspirational but realistic projection of what expenditures would support our vision of mission for the coming year.  We will also hear from members of the congregation about what the Church means to them and how that affects their financial commitment.

All of this aims to empower you to make an appropriate and generous pledge to support the Church for 2026. Pledging, as opposed to spontaneous giving, allows us to plan for the coming year. During October you will receive a letter and pledge card in the email.  We ask everyone to return your card by Commitment Sunday, November 23, so the actual budget can be prepared for approval at the Annual Meeting in January.

Every household faces unique financial constraints.  Some of us this year reel from unjust and cruel job terminations from the federal government.  Yet in this frightening and distressing time, our Church has been a sanctuary for God’s continuing call for justice and kindness.  May each of us, whatever our situation, find means to support our Church’s vitality.

In fellowship,

Peter Byrne, Finance & Stewardship Chair