A message from LAC’s Stewardship Committee:
What is the common thread among these things: worship among beautiful music on Sunday morning; wonderful educational programs for young and old(er) alike; mission trips to Nicaragua; food drives closer to home; the glowing stained glass windows we enjoy in the sanctuary? Answer: These are the different facets of our worship and community that make the Larchmont Avenue Church such a special place, and they are made possible by the generous stewardship of our congregation.
The 2009 Stewardship Campaign continues our theme of Celebrating Our Faith. Stewardship takes many forms, whether it is singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, or delivering school supplies to the CAP center. Our rich church life also benefits from our spacious facilities and the talented staff that we employ. Of course, all of these ultimately rely on our financial stewardship, the coming together of many people year after year to contribute financially in support of these essential activities. The financial stewardship we provide today builds a foundation for the years to come—just as the beautiful tulips in the church gardens continue to bloom and remind us of the efforts of the 2007 stewardship campaign.
This year’s Campaign is being launched at an extraordinary economic time, but our church’s need for our support continues. Over the next few weeks, culminating with Stewardship Sunday, October 26, 2008, we will continue to talk about Celebrating our Faith . . . and the role each of us must take as stewards.
Your pledge will enable our church to continue its important role in our lives and the community around us. Please make your pledge today!
- By e-mail – send an email to our Bookkeeper, Marjorie Bee, at mbee@lacny.org
- By phone – call our Bookkeeper, Marjorie Bee, at 834-1800 x310
- By pledge card – contact the LAC office to have a pledge card sent to you, by contacting the LAC Secretary, Melanie Murray at (914) 834-1800x310 or email at mmurray@lacny.org
The Trustees will begin to develop the 2009 budget soon after Stewardship Sunday and it will be tremendously helpful to know the level of pledges that can be relied on. (For those who have been regular plate contributors we thank you -- but please consider converting your giving to a pledge to assist the Trustees in their efforts).
Thank you for your support.
Faithfully,
The Stewardship Committee
Barbara Christiansen, Wes Huang, Penny Oberg, Amparo Sizemore, Jeff Smith, Dan Walden, Steve Williams
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
While our stewardship call encourages a variety of ways to contribute, an important aspect of our stewardship program is the continued financial support of LAC. The Trustees and staff have been strong stewards of our funds and LAC’s programs and benevolence continue to grow thanks to your generous support. However, the ongoing costs associated with maintaining our Church continue to rise, with fuel prices and insurance costs increasing and critical repairs needed for our wonderful building.
Why is Pledging Important?
Pledging allows us to prepare the annual budget for LAC and plan programs and activities for the coming year. We are thankful that many members of LAC have had a tradition of providing generous financial support but this support is especially helpful when provided in the form of a pledge at the beginning of the planning process.
How Much Do I Pledge?
Last year the average pledge among the 148 pledging families was $3,450 with the majority of our pledge revenues coming from pledges of $5,000 or more. What you choose to give is a personal decision and all amounts are appreciated, but please remember to pledge.
What does it mean to be a Steward?
Many of us know the definition of a Steward as one who will serve, give and care for what has been entrusted to them. But did you also know that as a Christian Steward, living a Christian life, we are to stand out in the world, marked by attributes of peace, purpose, wholeness, fruitfulness and joy? Christ promised us that in him we may have a “life in all its fullness.”
Larchmont Avenue Church is a caring and compassionate church eager to continue the work we have started – Let the Celebration of our Faith flourish.
