Over the next few weeks, we will be sharing the Mission Giving Plan for the 2019 church year presented in a different way than the typical congregational budget.
This “narrative ministry budget” presents our congregational mission in the context of 11 major areas of ministry in St. Peter’s congregation, noting a few of the various activities and financial responsibilities within each area. Debt reduction costs have not been included in the budget support figures for each area of ministry. But staffing, property, and administrative costs related to our program ministries have been divided up into these various areas using estimates of the percentage of staff time dedicated to each ministry area. Thus, you will not see total staffing, property or administrative amounts because the salaries and benefits of our church staff, along with the property and administrative costs are divided up based upon the amount of time spent in each of the ministry areas.
The way in which we carry out our vision tells the world about our values and what we see as central to our mission. As Proverbs 3:9 reminds us, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.” St. Peter’s is committed to teaching the joy of honoring God through our giving and serving, as we learn and grow in Christ, and model stewardship in our communal life. Only through the efforts of generous disciples, who grow their giving in their tithes and donations, along with their commitment of their time and talents, will St. Peter’s be empowered to live out our mission here and now.
Through your joyful giving and serving, we will reach our 2019 Mission & Ministry goal and make our mission come alive in Neffsville, Lancaster, and throughout the world.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Sisters and brothers, as you rejoin life’s parade in the world, know that sometimes it rains on our parades as we face the truth that neither simplicity or living generously are always easy to live out. Go with assurance that God will give you guidance to be faithful stewards and generous givers in both calm and storm. In the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
–Steve Roberts, Stewardship Chair
