DOWNLOAD
FIRST FRUITS: A Stewardship Study Guide here
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In offering our first fruits, we also desire to:
Attend a weekly worship service
Join a Bible Study, Sunday School Class or small group
Serve within a WHPC ministry
Go help with a local ministry/mission in Austin or around the world |
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Dear Friends in Christ,
This year there is much for which to be thankful to God! Despite the economic challenges this year has brought, He continues to guide this church and has richly blessed us with ministry and mission opportunities that are making an eternal difference here in Austin and around the world. Through His grace our children, youth and adult ministries continue to flourish. Dynamic new staff have been added to help lead our congregation. The new Sunday morning schedule has allowed us time to linger in fellowship between services and Sunday School classes. New people are coming to our church and are eager to get involved. We launched the iCare Net Ministry for providing on-going congregational care for our members who are in need. And we’ve experienced an increased activity in missional outreach in our local community with the dedication of the Habitat for Humanity house for the Garcia family and the church picnic at the Texas State Prison.
As we look to the future, Session has approved a preliminary Ministry and Mission Financial Plan for 2011 of $3,250,000. This is a modest increase of $50,000 over the 2010 plan. It includes all aspects of running our current church facilities, funding our missionaries, and paying for the many programs of our church and our staff’s salaries and benefits. If you would like to see a detailed copy of the proposed Ministry and Mission Financial Plan for 2011, please contact the church office.
Our stewardship theme this year, “First Fruits,” brings to mind “the cream of the crop,” the very best there is. Scripture tells us that we are God’s first fruits, the first among His creatures. We are also reminded that everything we have is a gift from Him. Life and all parts of it belong to God; you and I are merely stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to our care. God invites us to respond by gratefully offering back to Him the first and best of what He has given us, our own first fruits.
Please carefully and prayerfully consider your financial commitment and bring the completed cards which will be mailed to you to church with you on Reformation Sunday, October 31 when we will be collecting your cards, or turn it into the church office in a timely manner. You can also complete your pledge here.
We are aware of all the economic challenges we have all faced in recent months. These are uncertain times. We also know there are many other worthwhile and important causes which ask for your support. Our church has a great tradition of generosity. In the midst of all the uncertainty and all you are called upon to do, please remember how faithful God has been to you and your family and put your faith in Him. Also remember to make a priority of supporting your church which is your spiritual home and where you receive your spiritual nurture as a primary expression of your stewardship. Our ministry and mission cannot happen without you.
Let’s honor the Lord with our First Fruits for 2011. May God bless you richly!
In His Service,
Dr. Peter Barnes Bruce Dickson
Senior Pastor Stewardship Moderator
FIRST FRUITS: A Stewardship Study Guide
You are invited to join our congregation in this 22 day study as you prayerfully consider your commitment for 2011. You can download the study guide here, or pick up a copy in the church office
END OF YEAR GIVING:
To receive credit in 2010, financial contributions must be postmarked or delivered to WHPC by December 31, 2010. If you are donating stock, please contact the finance office for instructions.
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