The other day, I was visiting with a beautiful family about becoming members of our church. We talked about the promise each person makes when they decide to join. You know the one. Will you commit to supporting Park Avenue Church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness?
When we talked explicitly about the giving part of the vow, the family said they made it a practice of asking how they could give and share more. Then they asked, “What would be our share at Park?”
“Our share?”
Honestly, I’d never thought about it like that before. But it’s a good question, especially in this season when our congregation estimates our giving for 2024. Financially speaking, what is our share at Park?
So, I did some digging and discovered three numbers that might interest you: 765,000, 187, and 4,100.
- 765,000. Projected offering/giving budget for 2024 (same as 2023).
- 187. Current number of regular givers at Park.
- 4,100. What you might call the “our share” dollar amount (giving budget divided by givers). The average it takes per giving household to ensure we continue doing the things we value, like vibrant and relevant worship, vital ministry to children and youth, and growing engagement in our community with key ministries and services.
When I realized the “our share” number was $4,100, I have to say I was surprised. I know it will seem big to some and small to others. I offer it only as a view from 30,000 feet. And, of course, it’s an average based on current numbers. Not everyone can (or should) give $340 per month. Some can give well above that. It’s up to us to decide, and God puts it all together to make it work.
So, whether you are new to Park or this has been your long-time church home, I invite you to estimate your giving for 2024. Your help in doing this provides essential information for determining our annual budget. As you do, let me ask you to prayerfully consider two questions, which will be a great help as we plan for 2024.
- Will you join me in looking at where you are in your current giving to Park?
- Would you consider taking a step to grow your giving in 2024, whatever that is for you? If I gave $100 ten years ago to the church, that’s like $70 today. In other words, it’s essential to grow my giving, if for no other reason than things cost more today than they did ten (or even three) years ago.
Then, by Sunday, November 19, would you complete the online 2024 Estimated Giving Form by clicking here?
Our financial secretary, Arlette Hepp, is happy to answer any questions you may have. Just send her an email at ArletteHepp@ParkAveChurch.org.
We’re in an exciting time in the life of our church. In the new year, we will launch Park’s strategic plan for 2024-2026. I thank God I get to be your pastor and walk this journey of faith, hope, and love with you.
Much love,
Pastor Gregg
