BUILDING

A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY

Trinity has been blessed with a 2022 growth in revenue to $427,018, a 17% increase over 2019.  The number of donors has decreased, however.  Fewer than 50% of our members complete an intent card, estimate of giving, or pledge.  Last year just 32% completed an intent of their giving for 2022-23.  Not only are the number of intents low, but many of our members have not participated in the joy giving.

Why does Trinity ask for your intent of giving each year?

First: Intents of Giving help the Support Committee develop a budget to determine which ministries Trinity can continue and what ministries can be added or modified or reduced.

Second: The goal of our Stewardship Ministry is to help God’s people grow in their relationship with Jesus through their use of the time, talents, and finances God has entrusted to them.  Growth in giving to a tithe or beyond is one of the marks of discipleship.

Third: Completing an intent and presenting it during the offertory helps us to become intentional, regular, and generous givers.  As generosity increases, the giver’s relationship with Christ is strengthened and enriched.  Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there is your heart also” (Matthew 6:21).

Our stewardship theme this year is “Building a Culture of Generosity.”  During the coming weeks we will hear outcome stories and generosity stories.  Our Stewardship drive will culminate with Intent Sundays on March 19 and 26, when you will have the opportunity to present intent cards of finance and gifts of time and talents you would like to share with Trinity.

Stewardship Ministry has set a goal of 100 completed intent cards for the 2023-24 year.  Two members of the congregation are challenging us to meet this goal with a challenge gift of $8000.  If the goal is met the gift will be given.

Ask yourself these questions:  Can I increase the proportion of God’s gifts to me that I return to God through Trinity?  Can I increase my giving by $1, $5, or $10 per week?  Can I increase my portion of giving by 0.5, 1, or 2%?  Are there months when I could make an additional gift?  What talent can I share with Trinity?  What additional time and talents can I share with Trinity?