Pledge 2011

This letter was mailed to church members and friends of First Congregational Church. If you did not receive a letter this year, please take a moment to read it here and consider making a pledge for 2012.

November 1, 2011

Dear Members and Friends,

The Board of Trustees thanks you for helping First Congregational Church this last year in its many activities and mission work. Your generous donations have helped your church in important ways. By sharing your time, talents, and wealth, you have demonstrated that your faith is important in your daily lives and that you are committed to enriching your church community. This is the very heart of good stewardship.

He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor. — Proverbs 22:9
It is gratifying to reflect on the good works we have performed this last year. First Congregational Church has made generous donations to local food pantries. We have assisted our chosen missions, The Gideons International, The Seafarer’s Friend, Mission Mazahua and others. Your generosity has supported our parent organization, the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches. Your assistance has also helped to better the situations of many residents right here in Pittsfield. We have helped in their immediate needs for such things as heating fuel, electricity, baby needs and gasoline. Please know that our missions and activities would not, and could not, proceed without you, and you can take pride in your part of this.

Our congregation also can take pride in lending our facility to accommodate programs that improve lives. We have opened our doors to two Alcoholic Anonymous groups, LifeLine Screening, and CPR instruction. These efforts confirm our commitment to good stewardship and service to our community. And it must not be forgotten that, through your generous donations, we have been able to restore the exterior of our 134-year old church building to its original beauty.

We thank you again for helping us in the past, and now encourage you to reaffirm your commitment in sharing God’s gifts this coming year. The decision of how much to give must be an individual determination of your heart and mind. We ask that you make your decision a matter of personal reflection and prayer.

Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. — Deuteronomy 15:10
Your pledge is your promise of financial support for the upcoming fiscal year, typically paid in increments. Of course, anyone can give to the church without pledging. Some put money in the offering plate at worship each week; others give in a lump sum at the beginning or end of the year. However, annual pledges are very important to your church. To provide ongoing programs, we need to have predictable revenue. Expenses for salaries, utilities and maintenance continue regardless of attendance. We cannot budget adequately based on fluctuating collection plate contributions. That is why your commitment to make a pledge is so essential to good stewardship.

Pledge cards can be placed in the collection plate or mailed to the church, attention of Steve White, Collector.

Very truly yours,

The Board of Trustees: Stan Bailey, Chairman; Kevin Kennedy, Treasurer;
Mike Hobson, Secretary; Gloria O'Connor Biron, Gary Gingras,
Elaine Glidden, Steve White

First Congregational Church of Pittsfield

PLEDGE 2011