Stewardship Ministry

We constantly celebrate the gifts God has given us as individuals and as a congregation. Bethel sets aside several special weeks each year for members to reflect on the best way to use those gifts to serve Him. This year we wanted to emphasize the hope that members grow from being givers into true stewards – people taking what God has shared and dedicating it in service to God and His people. The biblical basis comes from II Corinthians 9:

Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work

The gifts we receive from God come in many forms. They include faith, money, and a wide variety of talents. Strong stewards take stock of the gifts they have, give thanks for them, and apply them in service to God. Not all of us have the same gifts. But we are all blessed by God in certain ways, and we all have the opportunity to put those gifts to use in His service.

This year the majority of Faith Promise cards were turned in on Commitment Sunday. After follow up by members of the Stewardship team the final tally was compared to the year 2000 as follows:

Year 2002 246 Faith Promise Cards returned for a total commitment of $748,047

Year 2001 215 Faith Promise Cards returned for a total commitment of $693,826

The total number of pledges was up by 14% and the total dollar commitment was up by 7.8%. The level of pledges up down partly due new pledges received this year by members who had not pledged before. Still, many older members are leaving the area for retirement and newer members have not been able to make up the difference. In addition, many of our members were laid off or have had salary cuts. In spite of the problems with the economy, many members who have not been affected are giving more. The Pledge vs Giving Analysis from

07/01/2002 through 12/31/2002 is as follows:

Number Pledged To Date Given To Date Difference

Over 102 $158,536 $187,881 $29,345

Even 44 65,520 65,520 0

Under 106 150,262 105,584 ($44,678)

===============================================================

Total 252 $374,318 $358,985 ($15,333)

Loose Offerings 10,417

Total Given to General Fund $425,155

Peter C. Marshall Jr.

Stewardship Ministry Chairperson