2020
Stewardship Campaign
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God through us. Your ministry of this service to God’s people isn’t only fully meeting their needs but it is also multiplying in many expressions of thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11-12)
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We have been blessed as a congregation whom God is using to make God’s love and presence known here in Polk City, in Central Iowa and in places far and wide as you have supported the work of this congregation with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service and your witness! We could not be the community of faith God calls us to be without your support!
As we dream and plan about God’s ministry through us in 2020, we are asking everyone to prayerfully consider the ways you will continue your support of our church’s mission to feed hungry souls in every season. |
Our ministry goals for 2020 include:
• More vibrant and meaningful worship experiences (new equipment, visuals, technology)
• More adult spiritual formation opportunities (Alpha, GriefShare, Lifegroups)
• Stronger relationships within our community of faith (Bar+Church, Dinner Groups, Game Nights)
• Strong youth & children's ministry (hiring a NEW Director of Youth & Children’s Ministry!)
• Empowered laity - children, youth & adults - who share their gifts, talents and passions in worship and ministry (new music groups, local mission opportunities)
• Enhanced communications through a new website & new church organization software
• More vibrant and meaningful worship experiences (new equipment, visuals, technology)
• More adult spiritual formation opportunities (Alpha, GriefShare, Lifegroups)
• Stronger relationships within our community of faith (Bar+Church, Dinner Groups, Game Nights)
• Strong youth & children's ministry (hiring a NEW Director of Youth & Children’s Ministry!)
• Empowered laity - children, youth & adults - who share their gifts, talents and passions in worship and ministry (new music groups, local mission opportunities)
• Enhanced communications through a new website & new church organization software
ANNUAL COMMITMENT
Each year we ask every member of the Polk City UMC family to return an annual commitment card, pledging their tithes and offerings for the coming year. The process of prayerfully asking God to guide your decision and then making a commitment with your financial gifts is an act of worship, an expression of gratitude and praise to God and an opportunity to serve God with your financial resources.
Begin with Prayer – As you think about your commitments to our annual giving campaign, please begin with prayer. Thank God for blessing you and ask God for guidance and discernment. Recognize that your offerings express both your desire to serve the Lord and your investment in God’s work.
Assess Your Finances – This is a good time to look at your budget. What does your spending say about your priorities? If you’d like to learn more about biblically based financial management, look for the Financial Peace University course that will be offered in the Spring.
Make a Commitment – Determine the percentage of your income that you will give in the coming year and complete your Annual Giving Commitment Card. For some, the giving of the tithe is a goal you are growing toward each year. For others, it is the starting point, and you will give far in excess of this. If you are not yet tithing, consider taking a step toward the tithe this year. Determine your giving in proportion to your income. Then set a percentage that you can increase each year until you reach the tithing goal.
Worship with Gratitude – On Sunday, November 24, we will celebrate our commitments to God. This is an opportunity as a congregation to express our gratitude to God and renew our commitment to being God’s stewards in the world. Each week when we place our gifts in the offering plate, it is an act of worship. If you choose to give electronically or through electronic fund transfer, connect cards acknowledging your gift are available for you to place in the offering plate. During the offering time, thank God for the blessings you have received and ask God to bless and use your gifts.
Begin with Prayer – As you think about your commitments to our annual giving campaign, please begin with prayer. Thank God for blessing you and ask God for guidance and discernment. Recognize that your offerings express both your desire to serve the Lord and your investment in God’s work.
Assess Your Finances – This is a good time to look at your budget. What does your spending say about your priorities? If you’d like to learn more about biblically based financial management, look for the Financial Peace University course that will be offered in the Spring.
Make a Commitment – Determine the percentage of your income that you will give in the coming year and complete your Annual Giving Commitment Card. For some, the giving of the tithe is a goal you are growing toward each year. For others, it is the starting point, and you will give far in excess of this. If you are not yet tithing, consider taking a step toward the tithe this year. Determine your giving in proportion to your income. Then set a percentage that you can increase each year until you reach the tithing goal.
Worship with Gratitude – On Sunday, November 24, we will celebrate our commitments to God. This is an opportunity as a congregation to express our gratitude to God and renew our commitment to being God’s stewards in the world. Each week when we place our gifts in the offering plate, it is an act of worship. If you choose to give electronically or through electronic fund transfer, connect cards acknowledging your gift are available for you to place in the offering plate. During the offering time, thank God for the blessings you have received and ask God to bless and use your gifts.
GIVING OPTIONS
Cash or Check – Offering envelopes are available in the seat racks and the entryway table at church. Your gifts can be placed in the weekly worship offering plate or they can be mailed to the church office: 1421 W Broadway St., Polk City, IA 50226
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) – Electronic Funds Transfer is a convenient way to give. Simply specify your amount and frequency and provide account information, then your gifts are received regularly, even when you are out of town. To establish an electronic funds transfer, you will need to complete a commitment card authorizing the EFT and attach a voided check for the account you will use. If you have used EFT in 2019, your current commitment will continue unless you submit a commitment card with a new amount or contact Rhonda George, financial secretary, at finance@polkcityumc.org
GivePlus+ Mobile App – Search your device’s app store for “GivePlus Church” then download and install the app. Once you’re in the app, search for “Polk City UMC.” You can make one-time or recurring donations through the app.
Appreciated Investments – Stocks, bonds, physical property, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and other securities are a welcome gift. Some members have found the tax savings make this an ideal way to fulfill their commitment, as contributions are equal to the fair market value, while tax liability on capital gains is avoided.
Direct IRA Minimum Distribution – Donors who are 70 ½ or older can give their gifts directly from their individual retirement accounts tax-free. By avoiding federal and state taxes on the amount, donors can increase their support to Polk City UMC at no additional cost.
EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) – Electronic Funds Transfer is a convenient way to give. Simply specify your amount and frequency and provide account information, then your gifts are received regularly, even when you are out of town. To establish an electronic funds transfer, you will need to complete a commitment card authorizing the EFT and attach a voided check for the account you will use. If you have used EFT in 2019, your current commitment will continue unless you submit a commitment card with a new amount or contact Rhonda George, financial secretary, at finance@polkcityumc.org
GivePlus+ Mobile App – Search your device’s app store for “GivePlus Church” then download and install the app. Once you’re in the app, search for “Polk City UMC.” You can make one-time or recurring donations through the app.
- Get it on GooglePlay
- Download it on the Apple App store
Appreciated Investments – Stocks, bonds, physical property, Qualified Charitable Distributions, and other securities are a welcome gift. Some members have found the tax savings make this an ideal way to fulfill their commitment, as contributions are equal to the fair market value, while tax liability on capital gains is avoided.
Direct IRA Minimum Distribution – Donors who are 70 ½ or older can give their gifts directly from their individual retirement accounts tax-free. By avoiding federal and state taxes on the amount, donors can increase their support to Polk City UMC at no additional cost.
2020 Annual GIVING COMMITMENT CARD
Please return an Annual Giving Commitment Card. We will celebrate our annual stewardship commitments in worship on Sunday, November 24.
Your annual giving card reflects your tithes and offerings to support your church’s ministry and mission through 2020. We ask that everyone return a commitment card by Sunday, Nov. 24, even if you can only make a limited financial commitment at this time. You can always increase or decrease your commitment if your situation changes by contacting our financial secretary.
Below is a link to a digital commitment card. If you prefer, you can pick up a physical commitment card at church.
If you have questions regarding this card, please contact Rhonda George at finance@polkcityumc.org.
Your annual giving card reflects your tithes and offerings to support your church’s ministry and mission through 2020. We ask that everyone return a commitment card by Sunday, Nov. 24, even if you can only make a limited financial commitment at this time. You can always increase or decrease your commitment if your situation changes by contacting our financial secretary.
Below is a link to a digital commitment card. If you prefer, you can pick up a physical commitment card at church.
If you have questions regarding this card, please contact Rhonda George at finance@polkcityumc.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the concept of “Proportional Giving”?
In light of the Christian ideal of the tithe (10%), our congregation has adopted the principle of offering a percentage of our bountiful blessings to God’s work in the world as the central tenet for personal financial stewardship. Proportional giving means we are challenged to give first to God, rather than whatever amount is left over.
From my treasure, is there a particular amount I should give?
This is an individual decision that each person or family makes. All of us need to give thoughtful and serious consideration to contributing regularly and meaningfully. Members of the congregation are encouraged to think prayerfully on what each is called to give and then to make a planned pledge for their level of financial contribution to the congregation. We are asked to give a percentage of our income to the ministry of the church and to review this amount on a regular basis. A chart is available to assist in this decision-making. As you assess your current giving percentage, pray about how you can step up your giving to eventually meet the goal of tithing.
Why is regular giving important to the Church?
Like an ordinary household, the expenses at of the congregation are due day by day and week by week. A clear indication from as many members of the congregation of their regular and intentional offerings will permit our congregational leadership to establish programs and budgets that correspond with the resources we make available to God through the church.
Will my pledge be confidential?
Yes. The amount you pledge and the amount you give are treated confidentially. The only person who is privy to this information is the financial secretary.
What if my personal circumstances change during the year?
If your personal or family circumstances change, you may need to alter your pledge. If you are experiencing financial hardship, don’t let your inability to give at this time keep you from participating and serving in church. Remember that God honors your faithfulness and that your acceptance is not based upon your capacity to give. Please let our pastor know of your situation so that she can pray for and support you.
In light of the Christian ideal of the tithe (10%), our congregation has adopted the principle of offering a percentage of our bountiful blessings to God’s work in the world as the central tenet for personal financial stewardship. Proportional giving means we are challenged to give first to God, rather than whatever amount is left over.
From my treasure, is there a particular amount I should give?
This is an individual decision that each person or family makes. All of us need to give thoughtful and serious consideration to contributing regularly and meaningfully. Members of the congregation are encouraged to think prayerfully on what each is called to give and then to make a planned pledge for their level of financial contribution to the congregation. We are asked to give a percentage of our income to the ministry of the church and to review this amount on a regular basis. A chart is available to assist in this decision-making. As you assess your current giving percentage, pray about how you can step up your giving to eventually meet the goal of tithing.
Why is regular giving important to the Church?
Like an ordinary household, the expenses at of the congregation are due day by day and week by week. A clear indication from as many members of the congregation of their regular and intentional offerings will permit our congregational leadership to establish programs and budgets that correspond with the resources we make available to God through the church.
Will my pledge be confidential?
Yes. The amount you pledge and the amount you give are treated confidentially. The only person who is privy to this information is the financial secretary.
What if my personal circumstances change during the year?
If your personal or family circumstances change, you may need to alter your pledge. If you are experiencing financial hardship, don’t let your inability to give at this time keep you from participating and serving in church. Remember that God honors your faithfulness and that your acceptance is not based upon your capacity to give. Please let our pastor know of your situation so that she can pray for and support you.
