Board of Trustees
Stewardship and Budget
Stewardship is your commitment of time and money -- not just money.
Stewardship is what Westmorelanders do to support the
church. Many people think their financial contribution is their only
stewardship requirement, but Westmoreland is more interested in
commitment of time and effort in church activities. A lot of volunteer
effort is required to run the church school, the music program, lay
callers, the Volunteer Corps, church finances, a myriad of other
activities, and to maintain the building. Of course, we need your
financial support as well, but we are purposely very low key about
fund raising.
The fall Stewardship Campaign
sets the limit on our budget for the coming year.
Each fall, Westmoreland asks its members to pledge their
financial support so the Trustees can prepare the budget in January. We
don't charge fees for programs or services, nor is there a financial
requirement for church membership. We need your support to pay our
ministers and staff, to supply our church school and other activities,
to make substantial contributions to other charities, and to keep up
the building.
How much you give is up
to you, and no one knows except the Treasurers.
We are very careful to restrict pledge information to
the Treasurers. The ministers don't know. They minister without any
knowledge of who gives a lot and who gives a little. A small weekly
amount from someone in poor health living on Social Security is much
more of a sacrifice than thousands of dollars from someone in their
peak earning years. Each Westmorelander makes a private decision, and we
accept every pledge gratefully.
If pushed for guidance, we believe that one or two
members actually tithe the Biblical 10% of gross income. Some
contribute a "modern tithe" of 5%, and most seem to give between 1% and
2%. Each year, some members are forced to reduce their pledge by
illness or unemployment, but others who are doing well step up to take
their place.
Many members of the congregation who have not yet
formally joined the church nevertheless pledge their support. Usually,
they want to maintain their ties with another church back home, but
they attend and support Westmoreland too.
Questions concerning Stewardship should be directed to
the Chair of Stewardship. Questions concerning the church
budget should be directed to the church Treasurer. Please call
the church office, (301) 229-7766, for those names and telephone
numbers.
Last updated Sunday, March 15, 2009.
1 Westmoreland Circle
Bethesda, MD 20816
301-229-7766
Email the church office: churchinfo@westmorelanducc.org
www.westmorelanducc.org
An Open and Affirming Congregation
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