God has given each of us resources to manage. Caring for those resources is faithful stewardship.

Support the Church

In the United Methodist Church, members vow to support the church through our prayers, presence, gifts, service & witness.

Financial Stewardship

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What we can learn from the Widow and her two mites

Mark and Luke both recount a story of Jesus teaching in the temple. He observed many wealthy people giving to the temple treasury, but took special notice of a woman, who he knew to be a widow. She put all the money she had, though comparatively little, into the treasury as well. Could any of us be so bold to give “everything she had”? The widow lived out Christ’s words from Matthew 6:25-26: “Do not worry about your life… Look at the birds of the air. Your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?”

Widows in the time of Jesus were among the at-risk and marginalized populations, generally relying on support from their family members for survival. Christ came to bring hope to the least and the lost. The widow wanted to remain active in her community, so continued to be involved in its practices. The widow knew that “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20

The Psalms remind us that “Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation” Ps 68:5. The widow may have been seen as one of the least in her society, but she was not forgotten in God’s eyes.

Though seemingly weak the Widow showed her strength, her Might, by giving her mites to God’s glory.

How to Give

First Church accepts:

ACH (aka EFT or bank to bank transfer)
Check / Cash
PayPal
Credit Card

For questions on giving contact our Financial Secretary, Nancy Yeager, at nyeagerfallsumc@gmail.com

Routine Giving

Routine giving, or pledging, allows the church to plan, enhancing the ability to use its resources wisely

Estate Planning

First Church and our Church Conference have resources available to assist in including First Church in your estate plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why give? What impact will it have?
First Church uses our funds to impact God’s world. They are used to change the lives of our neighbors near and far, from across the street with our hunger ministries to across the world with our apportionments and support of groups like UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Of course, funds are also used for the spiritual development of members and visitors, adult and youth, through music ministries, discipleship classes (Sunday School), and Sunday worship services.
Why fill out an estimate of giving card? I give when I am in service using the pew envelopes.

Though the non-pledged funds collected each week from the offering plate are put to good use, the same as all other monies, pledged or otherwise, it is harder for the church to plan activities when income is uncertain. Each fall the Finance Committee works with groups in the church to develop a budget to carefully use the funds to grow the glory of God. If, as the budget is developed, there is an expectation that there will not be enough funds to cover all programs or ministries, a new mission or outreach may unnecessarily be tabled until a later time.

How do I figure out what to pledge?

Estimating your giving is a personal decision that should be approached with prayerful consideration. What blessings has God provided you? How can you share those blessings with others. Try and focus on God above self. A traditional tithe is considered 10% of income, but that may not be feasible for you, especially if you have never given before. You could start low and grow, or step out boldly, as Peter did, and you may be surprised what happens in life. If you have the means, however, 10% is also not a cap on giving. Freely you have received, freely give!

What if I can't meet my pledge?

Life circumstances sometimes change- sickness, job loss, etc. We understand that and God understands much more. Your pledge is an estimate of planned giving. We encourage you to meet your plan, but if you need to make an adjustment, you can contact the church office and your confidential pledge can be updated accordingly.

How can I fulfill my pledge?

There are different methods for paying your pledge. Choose the one the best fits your lifestyle and financial circumstances.

  • Bank-to-bank transfer (also known as ACH or direct deposit) This is set up by completing the enclosed approval form. Transfers then occur automatically.

  • You can receive envelopes to use on a weekly basis. Many people write and enclose a check on a weekly or monthly basis. Cash can also be enclosed in the envelopes.

  • Credit card payments can be processed by arranging authorization through the church office. There is an approval on the bottom portion of the ACH form.

  • You can place a loose check in the offering plate or use an envelope from the pew backs.

  • Paypal

Who will know what I pledged?

Details on pledges are kept confidential and are generally seen only by the financial secretary and our pastors.

How else can I be a steward of the gifts God has shared with me?

Opportunities abound for utilizing your gifts from God within the church! If you like speaking in front of others, you can become a liturgist on Sunday mornings; if you have a passion for making others feel welcome, serve at the welcome center! If you feel called to share communion with some of our home-bound members, join the visitation committee, and if you have a calling to share God’s word with the younger generation, get involved with one of the many children’s or youth ministries! The list goes on and on. If you feel called to be a steward of your gifts but just don’t know where to focus your energy, contact the church office and set up a time to discuss it with one of the pastors.