Did you know that this coming year (2023) will mark the 130th anniversary of Park Ave Church? I’m not sure how many people have been impacted and shaped by this church since 1893, but let’s just say it’s a lot.
As we look to our 130th year and estimate our giving for 2023, we get to follow in the footsteps of those who’ve come before us. We get to ensure that the goodness of Christ continues to grow in our church through the generosity of Park people. Our predecessors knew what we know to be true: Each of us giving from the heart (not out of compulsion or guilt) is something that warms the heart of God. “Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart,” Paul wrote to Corinthian Christians. “We shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves it when the giver delights in giving, and God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).
Can I brag about you for a moment? Two years ago, we started doing an annual giving initiative to plan and budget for the next year. And your generous response – your delight in giving – has moved our church forward.
Our Giving Trend
Just look at our giving trend since 2020.
In 2020, the people of Park generously gave $638K. In 2021, we grew our gifts and offerings to $688K. And this year, our finance team projects all financial gifts and offerings will total $730K! If you’re doing the math, by the end of this year, we will have increased our giving by $92K since 2020 (about 12.5%). And we did most of that in a global pandemic! Amazing!
You have allowed our church to prioritize and grow children’s and youth ministries, invest in vibrant worship, develop new ministries and programs, and take care of some pressing facility needs. And we’re just getting started!
What Your Giving Makes Possible
Our projected budget for 2023 is $925K. It includes everything from toilet paper to toddlers, water to worship, and maintenance to ministry. Broken down in percentages, our budget looks like this:
- Children’s and Youth Ministries: 30%
- Worship: 25%
- Ministries and Programs: 20%
- Facilities and Grounds: 25%
You may be interested to know that we have three main sources of income:
- Estimated Giving commitments from the congregation
- Weekly gifts and offerings
- Building partner lease agreements. Below market value rent helps to offset part of the church’s facilities and grounds expenses
Estimating Our Giving
To meet our projected budget, everyone’s participation in giving is vital. Would you please help us plan by providing your Estimated Giving for 2023? Last year, 124 of us completed an Estimated Giving Card. This year, we’d like at least 150 to do so. That’s just 26 more! Can we do that? I’m confident we can!
So, I’d like to ask you this. Without hesitation, guilt, or pressure, will you do two things?
- Decide in your heart how much you intend to cheerfully give in 2023.
- By November 27, complete the online Estimated Giving Card for 2023 by clicking here.
If you’re new or returning to Park in the last couple of years or have never completed an Estimated Giving Card, will you consider doing so this year?
Our financial secretary, Arlette Hepp, is happy to answer any questions you may have. Just send her an email at ArletteHepp@ParkAveChurch.org.
Each of us giving from the heart (not out of compulsion or guilt) will grow our church. Let’s make our 130thanniversary one to remember!
Much love to you,
Pastor Gregg
P.S. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on materials and postage, we are trying something different this year. We are only sending out a digital version of this letter. However, through November, printed copies of the letter will be available on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary and Estimated Giving Cards will be in the bulletin. You are welcome to drop your card in the offering plate.
