(From February, 1999 Nativity newsletter)

Open Hands:
Nativity Stewardship, 1999

By now everyone should have received a stewardship packet from Nativity. It is chock full of information that outlines where we, as a church family, have been, where we are, and in some instances, where we might be headed. Please read it prayerfully and carefully. And, please respond on or before Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1999. That is the date we hope to announce the successful accomplishment of our goal of $161,000.00+ in pledges.

If you have not received your packet, please call the church office to give us your name and address so that we can offer you the blessed opportunity to Open Your Hands to God and his church at Nativity. Thank you.

What Does Your Church Mean to You?
by Dick Gerhart

This past December, WUSF (National Public Radio) successfully completed its winter fund drive for $300,000. It was based on a campaign of asking listeners to make gifts on the basis of "what listening to

their programs mean to them".

The Church of the Nativity asks the same question of our parish family.

How important is it to you that we have a church?

How important is it that we have a vicar, Sunday school rooms, a choir room, lavatories, kitchen, an office for the church secretary and treasurer and pay their salaries?

As the saying goes, "there is no such thing as a free lunch".

Somebody pays. And in our parish family, all members that can, should share the cost of maintaining our church.

The mission committee has approved a budget of almost $200,000 for 1999. This was done prior to the pledge program for two reasons: 1) to legitimize expenditures made in 1999, and 2) to set a goal for

stewardship giving.

The budget is the financial "game plan" without which no successful business or institution can function. Thoughtfully drawn, it controls expenditures and sets goals.

For our church, its success is dependent upon the financial support provided by members of our mission family.

Without personal commitments in the form of pledges, little can be achieved.

With your support--no matter how large or small--pledges provide the basis for intelligent financial planning.

In 1997, there were 98 pledges totaling $134,152.

In 1998, there were 96 pledges totaling $129,338.

In 1999, we are seeking pledges that will substantially support our approved budget.

While some may feel uncomfortable about making a pledge, pledges are always made on a best efforts basis and are not contractual obligations.

As WUSF asked, so are we requesting you to make your pledge on the basis of what our church means to you in your daily life.