This October, we are launching our new generosity campaign, Because of You, to celebrate all the things Christ Church accomplishes together and looks forward to continuing in 2024. Although your financial support is necessary to keep the ministries and missions of our church going, the generosity of your time and talents are also vital.
Because of YOU, Christ Church continues to thrive. 2024 GIVING GOAL: $1,800,000.00
WEEKLY “Because of you” REFLECTIONS
WEEK 1
Read: Matthew 4:18-22; 1 Thessalonians 1:4
Reflect: Jesus knew that he needed all kinds of people to help him accomplish his mission. So, he made sure everyone knew that they were an important part of his team. At Christ Church, we want everyone to know they are an integral part of helping us accomplish our mission to “embrace people, our community and world with the boundless love of God.” Do you currently feel like an important part of the Christ Church family? How might you take steps to deepen your engagement? How can we help?
Take the Next Step: This week, take some time to prayerfully consider what makes you an integral part of the Christ Church community of faith. Write down some ways that you can engage with the mission of Christ Church this year.
WEEK 2
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Reflect: Paul uses the metaphor of a human body to help us understand that God has equipped each of us with unique gifts and passions that enable us to serve God and others. What unique gifts, skills, and interests has God given you? Do you enjoy working with children or youth? Are you a good listener? Do you have carpentry skills? Are you passionate about senior adults? Are you adept at working with numbers?
Take the Next Step: Spend some time prayer, asking God to show you how you might use your gifts to serve God and others through Christ Church. Explore our new Equipping Ministry and see how they might help you discover your gifts and find your place.
WEEK 3
Read: Malachi 3:10; John 6:1-13
Reflect: We can be part of this faith family and know how we want to participate but, in order make a difference, we have to show up and be "counted". We do this when we use our gifts. We also show up by generously support the missions and ministries of our church with our financial resources. All of the great things that happen in and through Christ Church are because people have chosen to say "count me in".
Take the Next Step: Spend some time reflecting on how God is calling you to say "count me in" financially in 2023. Is it to make a financial commitment for the first time? Is it to increase your financial investment in Christ Church? Review the ways you can financially support Christ Church. Then, fill out your commitment card and bring it to worship on November 13th. If you cannot be in worship, you can submit another Sunday, on the website, or to the church office.
WEEK 4
Read: Philippians 4:10-20; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Reflect: When we understand that we’re all part of this faith family, when find discover our gifts and decide to say "count me in" great things happen! God will be able to use us to help Christ Church by fulfilling our mission to embrace all people, the community, and the world with the boundless love of God in 2023.
Take the Next Step: Name some ways you see Christ Church making an impact in the lives of people, the community, and the world. Take some time to celebrate and thank God for the ways God is using you and our church to transform the world with love!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY IS GIVING IMPORTANT?
Nearly all of the resourcing for the missions and ministries of Christ Church comes from the generosity of the congregation. Without your generosity, inspiring worship services, vital ministries for children, youth, and adults, impactful missional work, and deeply caring community wouldn’t be possible. We are so grateful for the generosity of so many, which allows Christ Church to be a great community of faith and a transformational force in our community.
HOW IS THE CHURCH BUDGET CREATED?
The church budget is a collaborative endeavor. First, ministry leaders and committees submit their requests to the Finance Committee. This committee then uses these requests and the results of the generosity campaign to establish a budget for the coming year. That budget is then submitted to the Church Council, which includes representation from all ministry areas, for final approval. The Finance Committee then monitors income and expenses throughout the year, ensuring financial responsibility as we pursue our mission together.
WHY DO WE MAKE AN ESTIMATE OF GIVING COMMITMENT?
Making an estimate of giving commitment is extremely helpful as the Finance Committee and staff work to project the income and set the budget for the coming year. If you ever need to make a change to your commitment, we understand. These commitments simply help us to plan well and be good stewards of church resources.
