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Steeple Times Vol. 9, Issue 11: November 2014
First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, Texas 230 West Rusk Street, Tyler, Texas 75701-1696 // (903) 597-6317 // www.fpctyler.com
Two Perspectives on Stewardship Selfish (in a Good Way) By Randy Grooms Each year, the Grooms family makes a pledge to FPC Tyler for purely selfish reasons. I pledge because I want First Pres. to exist—and given your generosity, to thrive—because there are so many things about it that I would miss terribly if it weren’t here. I would miss having that chunk of time on Sundays to think about the holy in a place where I feel accepted and loved. I would miss the community of friends and neighbors that I’ve developed here. I would miss the beautiful music; especially the organ. I would even miss the occasional argument over seemingly inconsequential topics. I’m sure you have your own list of things you’d miss if First Pres. didn’t exist (many of which would be less selfish than mine). The truth is, First Pres.’s existence would be impossible if it weren’t for our annual pledges, which allow the Session to make a budget and a plan for the coming year. Many churches are struggling with large facilities and fewer members (as we are all too familiar), and some churches have had to cut their mission drastically. First Pres., however, has stayed true to our vision of outreach and ministry, and we should celebrate that. Last year we began encouraging everyone to look at our giving to the church so that we can keep this amazing community of faith going . . .
and going in the way that best fits our needs. This year we continue this focus hoping that people will pledge a percentage of their income and increase their giving as income increases. Please begin thinking prayerfully, progressively, and proportionally about your giving. In the current uncertainty of our financial times, you may have pause about declaring a pledge, but now is the perfect time to stand up and claim your priorities. Now is the time to say, “This is my church family. It is an ultimate priority. It’s my source of spiritual nourishment, challenging me to live beyond the voice of culture to the freer life of faith.” You’re a generous congregation. May you give generously to the church’s ministry and mission this year and experience the joy of giving, knowing what an important presence this church has in the world.
Moving Ahead, Looking Back By Skip Womack Talk about a walk down memory lane: I was digging through some old files on my computer and ran across a letter I wrote in October 2004 on behalf of the newly formed Budget & Finance Committee. (I guess my computer tech guys at the Andrews Center really know their stuff—no crashes in ten years!) I’d forgotten that we formed the B&F Committee as we were looking for
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a pastor and attempting to answer financial questions about programming and personnel. In the letter, which was addressed to the congregation in appraisal of the situation, I described the proposed budget as “bare bones” with “no frills.” Ten years on, I still can’t see any frills or even much flesh on the bones, but our current budget has direction and focus that we didn’t have back then. Ten years ago, we were in survival mode, trying to pay the bills and keep the doors open. This year, our budget is funding new mission projects in Haiti and Pakistan, mission trips for high school and middle school, Vacation Bible School for all ages, a vibrant and growing Children’s Ministry, and a wonderful Fine Arts program. We have a worthy, qualified staff administering our programs, and we continue to improve our facilities and campus, including security for our children, upgrades to our sound system, and a more efficient HVAC system. Professionally, I work with folks beginning the recovery process. Sometimes, when you’re in the middle of recovery, it’s hard to see the progress you’ve made unless you look back. Ten years ago, the B&F Committee oversaw the beginning of FPC’s recovery. Today I can truly see the progress we’ve made—as a committee and as a congregation— in using the financial blessings God has given us.