Tithing Opportunities
Our ministry is funded through the contributions and generosity of our membership and friends. We are glad to make giving available online, and invite you into the discipline of giving. Our church will share these gifts in our community and around the world, trusting that God will use our gifts to build his kingdom, a place where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
Easily tithe with online donations and no longer worry about envelopes.
Easily tithe with online donations and no longer worry about envelopes.
Gifts of Stocks
Churches frequently receive contributions of investment securities/equities. The advantage of donating stocks or bonds to a church can allow the donor to avoid paying any capital tax gain taxes on the increased value of the stock and receive a charitable contribution tax deduction at the same time. Your gift is deductible for the market value of the stock at the time it was given. The gift must also be properly receipted by the church so that the donor has the required tax return support.
Giving appreciated stock to the church makes good financial sense to you so please ask your financial advisor if this is a viable option for you to donate to the church. If you plan to do so, please email our Finance office, call at 931-645-6551 or complete and mail this letter when you transfer the stock to the church. It is critical that you inform the church of your intention to do so for the church to issue proper tax receipt for your donation. First Presbyterian Church’s policy is to immediately sell all the stock gifts and deposit the proceeds from the sale into the church bank account, unless it is stipulated otherwise by the donor.
We look forward to your donation as stock gift to be used for our church’s work and you can receive a charitable tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the stock and avoid capital gains on the appreciated value. Thank you so much.
Giving appreciated stock to the church makes good financial sense to you so please ask your financial advisor if this is a viable option for you to donate to the church. If you plan to do so, please email our Finance office, call at 931-645-6551 or complete and mail this letter when you transfer the stock to the church. It is critical that you inform the church of your intention to do so for the church to issue proper tax receipt for your donation. First Presbyterian Church’s policy is to immediately sell all the stock gifts and deposit the proceeds from the sale into the church bank account, unless it is stipulated otherwise by the donor.
We look forward to your donation as stock gift to be used for our church’s work and you can receive a charitable tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the stock and avoid capital gains on the appreciated value. Thank you so much.
Giving in Honor or Memory
Contributions can be made in honor of someone (e.g., celebrate a birth, a life, anniversary, special occasion or to give thanks). You may direct your memorial gifts to any of the following ministry areas endorsed by First Presbyterian Church. Principal and income earned in the Memorial Fund categories will be used on the endorsed ministry areas.
Gifts received without a specific designation or program will go to our General Endowment Fund. Endowments carry the restriction of preserving the principal and using the portion of the investment/interest income for special program(s) of the church or for capital improvements to church facilities and other purposes as approved by FPC Session.
A note will be sent to the person you have honored or to the family of the deceased notifying them of the gift. The note will not indicate the amount of the gift, but will let them know a gift has been made in their honor or memory. In addition, gifts from church members will be listed in church bulletins and newsletter.
Gifts received without a specific designation or program will go to our General Endowment Fund. Endowments carry the restriction of preserving the principal and using the portion of the investment/interest income for special program(s) of the church or for capital improvements to church facilities and other purposes as approved by FPC Session.
A note will be sent to the person you have honored or to the family of the deceased notifying them of the gift. The note will not indicate the amount of the gift, but will let them know a gift has been made in their honor or memory. In addition, gifts from church members will be listed in church bulletins and newsletter.
Bicentennial Campaign
What is our Vision?
We will Grow Young!
We are working hard to rejuvenate First Presbyterian Church for its 200th birthday. We will transform our ministries to children, youth, and young adults as we prepare for a year-long Bicentennial Celebration in 2022.
To REFLECT on the legacies we enjoy as gifts from previous generations of our congregation.
To REJOICE with our extended family as we gather to celebrate with special events during a year-long homecoming for our congregation.
To RENEW our commitment to build on the foundation that we have received.
We will Grow Young!
We are working hard to rejuvenate First Presbyterian Church for its 200th birthday. We will transform our ministries to children, youth, and young adults as we prepare for a year-long Bicentennial Celebration in 2022.
To REFLECT on the legacies we enjoy as gifts from previous generations of our congregation.
To REJOICE with our extended family as we gather to celebrate with special events during a year-long homecoming for our congregation.
To RENEW our commitment to build on the foundation that we have received.
Special Offerings
Presbyterians are part of a remarkable tradition. FPC will announce special offering collections via our newsletter.
One Great Hour of Sharing
Lent/Before Easter
Serves the "least of these" among us by providing relief to those affected by catastrophic events, giving sustainable food resources to the hungry, and changing the structures that perpetuate poverty, oppression, and injustice. Typically received during the season of Lent, each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Pentecost Offering
After Easter, Maybe Youth Sunday
Help the church encourage, develop, and support its younger members to build a life of faith with a foundation established during childhood. 40% of the Pentecost offering can be retained by individual congregations wanting to make an impact in the lives of young people within their own community. The remaining 60% is used to support children-at-risk, youth, and young adults through ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Typically, the 40% kept by FPCC is used for food for the FUEL program, to feed hungry students over the weekend.
Peace & Global Witness Offering
Fall
Provides tools and resources for the Church as we join together as active peacemakers at all times in all ways, like the reconciliation work in South Sudan, international advocacy at the UN, or a peace camp for kids in New Jersey. Our congregation retains ¼ of this offering to connect with global witness - typically by supporting the Sudanese, Haitians, or Rwandans. Mid councils use ¼ for ministries of peace and reconciliation. The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence.
Christmas Joy Offering
December
Distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. The Assistance Program provides critical financial support to church workers and their families. Presbyterian-related schools and colleges provide education and leadership development while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s.
Although these offerings have been traditions for years, during 2020 and early 2021, our congregation has been worshipping virtually, and we have not highlighted these offerings. We are planning to resume our regular highlights as in-person worship begins.
One Great Hour of Sharing
Lent/Before Easter
Serves the "least of these" among us by providing relief to those affected by catastrophic events, giving sustainable food resources to the hungry, and changing the structures that perpetuate poverty, oppression, and injustice. Typically received during the season of Lent, each gift to One Great Hour of Sharing supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Pentecost Offering
After Easter, Maybe Youth Sunday
Help the church encourage, develop, and support its younger members to build a life of faith with a foundation established during childhood. 40% of the Pentecost offering can be retained by individual congregations wanting to make an impact in the lives of young people within their own community. The remaining 60% is used to support children-at-risk, youth, and young adults through ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Typically, the 40% kept by FPCC is used for food for the FUEL program, to feed hungry students over the weekend.
Peace & Global Witness Offering
Fall
Provides tools and resources for the Church as we join together as active peacemakers at all times in all ways, like the reconciliation work in South Sudan, international advocacy at the UN, or a peace camp for kids in New Jersey. Our congregation retains ¼ of this offering to connect with global witness - typically by supporting the Sudanese, Haitians, or Rwandans. Mid councils use ¼ for ministries of peace and reconciliation. The remaining 50% is used by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to advocate for peace and justice in cultures of violence.
Christmas Joy Offering
December
Distributes gifts equally to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and to Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. The Assistance Program provides critical financial support to church workers and their families. Presbyterian-related schools and colleges provide education and leadership development while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage. The Christmas Joy Offering has been a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s.
Although these offerings have been traditions for years, during 2020 and early 2021, our congregation has been worshipping virtually, and we have not highlighted these offerings. We are planning to resume our regular highlights as in-person worship begins.