Dear Friends in Christ,

God has continued to richly bless us this year, and there is much for which we should be thankful to God, as our Christian community is involved in an amazing array of flourishing ministries and mission outreach – in Austin, Texas and around the world.

Our children and youth ministries teach His Word to hundreds of children and teenagers each week. Our iCare Net ministry delivers extraordinary one-on-one Christian support to hundreds in their greatest time of need. Pilgrimage, Celebration, Breakaway and other congregational outreach projects for all ages bring hundreds to better know Christ our Savior.

Our financial support of Manos De Cristo, The Gathering, prison ministries, programs for the homeless, even missionaries in Africa, China, Central America and Afghanistan delivers much-needed aid to those in need, all in the name of our Lord. Small groups of our members advance and deepen their scriptural knowledge on a weekly basis through organized Christian education initiatives, small groups and Bible studies.

Our church has tremendous resources and gifts that we share with our church, our community and our world. We do it through prayer and with your continued support.

Despite the economic challenges and the ongoing denominational issues, we remain as a church focused as a Christian community on what is truly important: prayerfully serving as stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to our care. God invites us to respond by gratefully giving back to Him the first and best of what He has given to us.

With this in mind, the 2011 stewardship theme is drawn from 2 Corinthians 9:8: “From God’s All . . . We Give All.” This will be our Season of Praying and Giving; a time when we will pray collectively to thank God for all the blessings He has bestowed on us and to reflect on His request that we give back to Him.

Our Elders have prepared fifteen daily prayers and meditations to guide us through this Season of Praying and Giving. The prayer guide is available to be picked up in the Narthex and in the church office. It is also available online here (and clicking the link in the left column) and will be emailed as a daily devotional from October 16 – 30. You are invited to participate in this prayer campaign – a silent, reflective and contemplative initiative that we know will provide great rewards for Jesus Christ.

As you pray, as you consider how you can be a part of these amazing and empowering ministries and programs in His Name, please consider the enclosed commitment card mailed to you and bring the completed card to church with you on October 30 when they will be collected. You may also submit it to the church office in a timely manner, or submit your pledge online here.

Our ongoing ministries and scripture-based Christian programs are the key parts of an asking budget of $3,100,000 that we are seeking to raise this fall, to ensure that these initiatives in the name of Jesus Christ can continue to flourish. This bare-bones right-sized budget that grows our outreach potential while holding the line on spending includes all aspects of running our current facilities, funding our missionaries and paying for the many exciting programs and talented personnel who oversee them. A detailed copy of the 2011 Ministry and Mission Financial Plan is available at the church office.

Our church has a great tradition of generosity in His Name. As you consider how faithful God has been to you and your family, put your faith in Him. Make a priority of supporting His Church, Westlake Hills Presbyterian, and its amazing array of ministries and mission outreach -- in Austin and around the world.

Remember how God has nurtured and supported you through His Church. Your church: a place of amazing ministries and wonderful mission outreach that cannot happen without your support. Honor the Lord first with your prayers, your thanks and your reflection. And then with your support, as our congregation continues what is important in His sight: Spreading His blessings and His Word.

In His Service,

Mike Ward                                    Dr. Peter Barnes
Stewardship Moderator                      Senior Pastor


END OF YEAR GIVING:
To receive credit in 2011, financial contributions must be postmarked or delivered to WHPC by December 31, 2011.  If you are donating stock, please contact the finance office for instructions.