The practice of stewardship is essential for the mission of the Church and the well-being of each individual Christian.

Everyone benefits from the sacrificial gifts one makes of their time, talent, and treasure.

~ Pope Benedict XVI ~

 

Dear First & Franklin Family,

In the song "Little Drummer Boy," a humble boy asks, "What gift can I bring?" Having no material riches, he offers his unique musical talent, a gift received with joy.

This time of year is a season of reflection and gratitude, and as we look back, we are filled with thankfulness for all the ways our community has shown love and commitment. As we look ahead, we are inspired by the question: "What gift can I bring?"

This question invites us to consider the many gifts God has given us and how we can offer them back in service. A gift is not just a monetary offering; it is a reflection of our hearts. It is the gift of your voice in the choir, the gift of your hands serving in the food pantry, the gift of sharing your wisdom in the Adult Forum or Wednesday evening study group, and the gift of your financial support that keep our church home thriving.

Your generosity, in all its forms, is the cornerstone of our shared ministry. It is what enables us to provide Sunday School classes and childcare for our youngest members;  a food pantry that is open three Saturdays a month with a growing number of clients from our immediate neighborhood; educational and fellowship opportunities for adults, a music ministry that is one of the finest in the city; a concert series in which there is no admission charge for most of the concerts, continual maintenance of our exquisite, historical sanctuary, opportunities for inspirational worship or all who seek it, a witness and support to several community agencies and ministries.

These achievements are not the result of a few large gifts, but of countless gifts from all of you. Every hour volunteered and every dollar donated come together to create a powerful force for good in our community and beyond.

As we look forward to next year, we continue to ask: "What gift can I bring?" We invite you to pray about the gifts you can offer and how you can deepen your commitment to God's work in this place.

Our pledge goal for 2026 is $220,500, a 5% increase over last year’s goal. Please take some time to prayerfully consider your commitment to First & Franklin in the coming year. Included with this letter is a step chart showing our 2025 Giving Levels. Regardless of where you may have historically stood on the table, we encourage you to take the next step and move up one step in your giving from where you are right now. Or, if possible, consider taking two or more steps. Then, please bring your completed pledge card to worship with you on Sunday 16 November, when we will present and dedicate our commitments. Following worship, everyone is invited to stay for coffee hour.  If you cannot attend on 16 November, please return your pledge card to the church office as soon as possible. You can also make your pledge online at www.firstfranklin.org/pledge.

May we continue to offer our best gifts, celebrating that together we can do more than we can alone. Thank you for being such a vital part of our church family.

With gratitude,
Rev. Mark

 

If you choose to pledge online, please use the form below. If you would like a paper form, you can get one from an usher at church on Sunday. If you have any questions or concerns about pledging, please reach out to our Finance & Stewardship Chair, Alex Mendelsohn, at finance@firstfranklin.org. We request that all pledges are received if possible by the end of December 2023, but will continue to accept new pledges through January 2024.