Give.

Giving matters. It always has, and it always will.

As you are aware, we take up weekly offerings to support the ministry of FBC. Weekly offerings near $2,000, and these offerings are used to support not just our church and staff, but other ministries. As an example, 10% of our weekly offerings go to the SBC Cooperative Program. This program supports ministries like Falls Creek, Baptist Homes for Children, missionaries and church planters in the United States, and international missionaries through the International Mission Board. An additional 3% of our gifts go to the Cherokee Strip Baptist Association, supporting mission trips, church plants, and other ministries in our local network of churches. We also support our local food pantry, housed at the Methodist Church, with annual giving to them totaling $2400 per year. Utilities are paid, as well as salaries of our pastor, custodian, and worship team.

COVID-19 is already making an impact.

When snow or ice keeps us from having our normal Sunday meeting, we do not see an increase in giving when we return. Most of us only give when we attend, and the concern is that if we are not meeting regularly (in person), that some people might cease to give. We want to encourage you to continue to give, and we want to promise you that we are doing our best to cut costs and expenses while we are not meeting. Our church custodian and worship team will not be paid while we are not meeting, thermostats have been turned off, and spending has been slowed naturally though a temporary pause on our corporate gatherings. The pastors salary will be evaluated monthly, with our desire to be good stewards and limit long term effects on our church. COVID-19 has already made an impact on church giving.

Although we have cut expenses, we expect new opportunities and needs to arise. COVID-19 is impacting our economy in major ways. Not only are the global markets taking a hit, but on a personal level, individuals may see shrinking paychecks and limited hours. This leaves us in a unique opportunity to serve local families in need by providing financial assistance, but we can only assist if we have the resources to help. We are asking you to continue your commitment to give to FBC and the ministries we support. Your gift can be mailed or submitted online through our new ministry partner, Church Center Online.