First United Methodist Church of Tuscaloosa
Friday, May 18, 2012
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 What is Christian Stewardship? “Stewardship is what you do with what you have after you say, 'Yes' to Jesus. “ Stewardship is a lifestyle choice that recognizes that everything is a gift from God. Our responsibility as Christian stewards is to manage all the gifts that we have received from God.
Jesus consistently taught that our responsibility as his disciples is to recognize that God is the provider of all that we possess and that our call is to be generous givers of our financial resources. A Christian steward contributes his or her time, talent, prayers, and financial resources with a willing and joyful spirit. Being a generous giver is a spiritual response to God's goodness.
The Church is the Body of Jesus Christ in the world. The Church worships God as the creator and sustainer of the world. It carries out the work of God’s Kingdom by sharing the Good News of Jesus with all who will hear. The church helps people grow in their faith and their discipleship. It cares as people celebrate their joys and mourn their losses. It reaches out to those less fortunate to offer a helping hand. In giving to God’s Church, we acknowledge our dependence on God and place our trust in God to provide for our needs.
In ancient times, those who worshipped God gave the best of their flock or the first fruits of their harvest to God. Today, giving a “tithe” means giving the first one-tenth of what you make to God. The “tithe” is set aside for the work of God before a disciple begins to use the remainder for personal and family expenses. It serves as an acknowledgment that all we have is God’s.
Throughout Christian history, tithing has been a helpful way for persons to measure their giving. The roots of the tradition are deep within Hebrew history. Most Christians view tithing as a spiritual discipline rather than as mathematical legalism. It is a gift from God to help us put God first in our lives.
1) The General Fund: Gifts to the general fund of the church are appreciated at any time. However, each fall, First UMC holds an annual stewardship campaign. At this time, persons are asked to make a pledge (statement of planned giving) to the General Fund for the next calendar year. Giving to the General Fund of FUMCT helps to sustain ministries of the church such as these:
· God is glorified through Regular Worship Services of preaching, prayer, and music.
· Missions, through both local and global outreach, supports such ministries as the building of a Habitat for Humanity home or the sending of a medical mission team to Brazil or the providing of a first response team to a natural disaster.
· Christian Education helps persons of all ages learn Biblical lessons for their lives and grow in their faith through Sunday school, small group study, and other special classes.
· Congregational Care keeps a close watch on those who are sick or homebound through hospital and nursing home visits as well as through prayers, cards, flowers, and special help like transportation for doctor visits.
2) Special Funds: Persons often choose to give to designated funds that are close to their hearts. Mission opportunities such as The United Methodist Children’s Home, Hospice, The Community Soup Bowl or a Volunteer in Mission project are often recipients of this type of giving. Special fund giving can also be designated for a specific purpose within the church such as equipment, furniture, library books, etc. These gifts may be given at any time.
3) Building Fund: First United Methodist Church has recently consecrated an incredible new facility for youth ministry, contemporary worship, and adult education. When a new facility such as this is planned, a capital funds drive is held to offer persons an opportunity to contribute to its cost. It is possible to participate in that process at any time through one-time giving or through planned, long-term giving to the building fund.
As you contemplate giving to God and to your church, please consider these possibilities.
· A Cash Gift in any amount is a convenient way to show your faithful support for the work of the church. Members and friends of the church are asked to make a pledge in response to God’s gifts to them and in support of the budget of the church. A pledge card can be filled out at any time during the year and contributions are always appreciated.
· A Memorial Tribute or honorarium to a special person can be a satisfying way to salute those who are special in your life. This gift can be made to a designated fund or a favorite ministry of the church.
· If you own Investments such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, you can donate them to the church. If the securities are gifted to the church, no capital gains taxes must be paid and a charitable deduction may be received for the full current market value of the securities.
· Many persons have Property that has grown in value. When you consider making a gift, why not give the property and achieve a double tax advantage—avoidance of capital gains and full charitable deduction for the property’s current market value. See below for instructions on giving stock.
· A gift of an unneeded Life Insurance Policy is another way to donate to the church. Think about giving the policy to the church and receive a charitable income tax deduction. If the value of the policy is more than you wish to donate, consider cashing in the policy and giving a lesser portion. Your gift may sufficiently reduce or eliminate any potential taxes due from the sale. Naming the church as the beneficiary of a policy also provides an easy way to give a gift, receive a current income tax deduction, and possibly avoid future estate taxes.
· Establishing a Life Income Gift such as a charitable remainder trust, gift annuity, or pooled-income gift may also be a good way to coordinate your charitable interests with your financial planning needs.
Some members of the congregation transfer shares of stock to First United Methodist Church to fulfill their pledge obligations or other purposes. This is a wonderful way to handle contributions, but we need your help. The brokerage firms have a standing order to immediately sell any stock transferred to First United Methodist Church. Sometimes the first knowledge the church has of this gift is when a check is received. These checks come to us without the name of the donor and sometimes include several transactions on one check. It is difficult to resolve such matters.
Before you call your broker or make an electronic transfer, please call the church office and give us the necessary information so that we can give you credit. Ask for Bill Allen or Linda Pierce at 205-345-7261 or leave a voicemail and your call will be returned. Better communication will certainly make for more accurate transactions.
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