Financial Stewardship
Dear HPC Family,
It has been said that money is an acid test of your faithfulness. Some have also postulated that God uses it more than any other thing in our lives to stretch our faith.
Why? Because it’s the thing people have a hard time with. Each of us struggle with the pull of money–not just Wall Street or regions decimated by the loss of industry. No. Right here in Central New Jersey, right here in Hopewell Township, right here with our congregation at Hopewell Presbyterian Church. The management of money and our financial giving is a challenge.
It does not just affect the young or the old. It does not just affect individuals but organizations. And it especially pops up in times like these: times affected by economic headwinds, rising inflation, payment of bills, making the mortgage or rent, or saving for the future (college, a house, retirement).
Into these times of uncertainty and topics that make us uncomfortable, God speaks.
One example of this is from a parable from the gospel of Matthew where Jesus says: “‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matthew 24:21)
This text is an example of the ways in which faithful money management is a part of our call and how it is celebrated. In this story God celebrates it through: affirmation, promotion, and more celebration!
God affirms by saying, “Good job! In hard times, you have been trustworthy with what you have been given. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The second step is promotion. As you show faithfulness with a few things, God will give you greater responsibility.
Then, as you show your responsibility, God will celebrate with you. You will share in God’s happiness!
This is something that happens on both an individual level or on a corporate level. We as a community over the course of the last years–through your generous gifts and through giving of Alex and Eunice Sharipen–HPC has been given much responsibility. As we continue to strive to be faithful in both of these great gifts, the Financial Stewardship Ministry wants to invite you to a special Lunch and Learn on Feb. 5 where we will walk through the way finances at HPC are being managed. Specifically, how…
The Sharipen Bequest is being stewarded to inspire new mission and ministry–to the tune of $150,000 per year.
Your tithes and offerings are being stewarded to support our regular mission giving and our general operating budget–a budget that is currently set at $386,743. This breaks down into the following:
Mission & Benevolence: $4,975
Programming (music, worship, education, service, fellowship): $13,000
Facilities: $74,888
Church Support (office supplies, etc.): $6,700
Personnel: $247,080
It is our sincerest hope that we can answer questions, affirm the gifts you have shared, encourage further discernment, and celebrate with God. Come with your questions.
With gratitude,
Scott Megaffin
Pastor Melissa
Financial Stewardship Ministry