For the past several years, the stewardship ministry has been focused on finding better ways of communicating our church’s financial workings to the congregation. Through the Stewardship Corner in our worship bulletins, we bring updates on congregational giving along with our other income and expenses each week. As a Congregational Church, we don’t receive financial support from a central denomination. Every dollar that supports our church comes through the generosity of our congregation in their giving, and from the hard work that goes into our fundraising efforts. We are lucky to own our land and buildings and not have the sizeable outstanding debt of a mortgage or other similar liabilities, but though the buildings are entirely ours, the responsibility for covering all of our expenses are also entirely ours.
It sounds like a daunting task, but it’s one that our Oldtown family has been living up to for three hundred and six years. This year, we have had many great ideas for updating and creating new fundraising efforts, and many new faces have appeared to lend a hand at our suppers, fairs, and other events. We are truly grateful for all the time, talent, and treasure our congregation shares.
The stewardship ministry manages our church website, which is our electronic front door to visitors, and this year, we rolled out a completely redesigned site that will allow us to get more information out more quickly and easily. We have received many compliments on our website, and several new visitors have commented that they found us online. In addition to our worship bulletins and notes from each week’s sermons, our website provides a calendar of events happening at the church along with the ability to give to support the church online financially. Thanks to those who have decided to set up recurring giving online, from their bank accounts or credit cards, we brought in over $14,000 of our congregational giving online. If you’re interested in setting up recurring online giving or just donating to the church online, please feel free to contact one of your treasurers or your stewardship ministry.
This year, we are excited to welcome Kevin Graves to our stewardship team, and we look forward to new initiatives and new directions in stewardship. Exciting times are ahead for Oldtown, and we all play a part in keeping things going and making Oldtown a welcoming experience for all who come through our doors. Stewardship means “taking care of something” or “being responsible for the continued well-being of something.” It is our goal in the coming year to continue to provide new and exciting ideas for all of us to help contribute to the care, ongoing well-being, and growth of the Oldtown church and all we do for our congregation and our community, and we look forward to welcoming everyone into our efforts.
Wishing you peace and blessings,
Jim Fennell