Information About Giving Stewardship is how we take care of what God has given us.    Psalm 24:1  "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."   Our stewardship is the grateful response to God's grace and goodness. It requires a consideration of how our choices affect us and others, of how we can be good caretakers of the created world, and of how we can best serve God as disciples of Christ.   Since money is often a topic of controversy in the church and in the world, we want to be as clear as possible about the expectations we have in our congregation and the process we use in this very important area.   We want to honor God by being good stewards of what we have been given and at the same time, we strive to encourage each other to grow in our faith.   It is our hope that someday we will all hear: "Well done, good and faithful servant . . . ."  Matthew 25:21

Some Expectations Your heart goes where you put the money God has given you.   "For where your treasure is there your heart will be also."   Matthew 6:21   Giving is a spiritual exercise and we cannot be healthy unless we engage in generosity.   Our use of money is both an indicator of our spiritual health and a spiritual discipline.   We cannot avoid stewardship and be growing Christians. Giving is the only antidote to materialism.   Ecclesiastes 5:10, 13-14 ? "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income."    As we grow in our generosity, our materialism and the hold of the present world on us will diminish. When we become a member of a faith community, we expect to grow in our faith.   Stewardship is a vital part of that growth that cannot be neglected.   Members are expected to be generous to God and to others.   Some of that generosity obviously will be given through other organizations, but the local church is the primary representation of God's work in the world today and needs to be first on our list of support.

Our Process At Central We are deliberate.   We have an annual stewardship emphasis when we consider our habits of generosity toward God and others.   This is usually done for about a month in the fall season. We have a Stewardship Committee that prayerfully considers how to lead the congregation in faithful giving.   They plan and implement the stewardship emphasis. Estimate of giving cards.   During the emphasis, we will ask the membership to consider making an estimate for the next year.   The estimate is useful for planning for the next year and in the way it helps us as individuals to be consistent in our growth as good stewards. We have a budget for the year which helps us plan for the mission and vision of the church.   The budget is formed after our stewardship emphasis. Confidentiality.   The only money secrets at Central are the amounts given by individuals.  The budget is for all to see, but only the financial secretary handles the individual estimates and gifts.   There is never any pressure to give; while members are encouraged to participate, the matter is between each person and God. Two Budgets.   The estimate card allows for designated giving to the General  Fund and to the Outreach Fund.   The General Fund is for all of the staff, programs, and property of the church.   Outreach is for ministry beyond our doors, both locally and internationally.  Designated Giving.  Members may designate any gift at any time to a particular area or cause as they see the need. Giving Envelopes.   Members who want to give cash can request giving envelopes so that records can be kept of their giving.   The financial secretary has a record of the numbered envelopes and will credit each person's giving record. Quarterly Statements.   Statements are sent to all contributors each quarter and at year end.

Questions?   Feel free to ask a pastor, the church moderator, or a member of the stewardship committee.

Facts & Figures In 2004 Central Christian supported local outreach efforts by contributing $11, 637 to ministries like: Faith in Action Boys & Girls Club Danville Food Pantry Rescue Mission Community Health Center YWCA Women's Shelter YWCA Homeless Shelter Danville Salvation Army CRIS Senior Center Food Baskets Other one-time gifts

In 2004 Central Christian Church contributed $31,838 to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for state, national, and international ministries.