Give

Among the many vital practices of the Christian life is that of giving, where out of what we have – not just out of our abundance! – we offer a portion to the common good. We practice that at First on Fifth by inviting all members to give of themselves to the beloved community.

Sometimes this looks like our financial resources, letting our money flow from our own pockets into the larger waters of common care. Sometimes this means our time and interest, committing ourselves to lead or serve our church in ways that connect need with passion. Sometimes this offers us an opportunity to shepherd financial resources given long ago, whose careful stewardship over time yields things like scholarships for divinity school students, funds for mental health counseling, dollars for benevolence needs, resources to care for our sacred space.

Of course, the amount is never what matters most; it’s the practice of giving out of what we have that allows us to relinquish whatever tight hold we carry and open our hands to what might happen next.

Places to Give

The first place that all members and friends of the church are encouraged to give is to our Ministry Funding Plan, the annual dollars that fund the regular ministries and missions of the church. The Ministry Funding Plan sustains everything from supplies for children and youth to our building utilities, investing in our excellent staff to supporting over 27 partners in mission and ministry around the world, and all the things in between. In short, the Ministry Funding Plan enables us to “be church” together.

If you’re looking for a way to give outside of the Ministry Funding Plan, there are five designated funds that our Finance Committee encourages members to support:

1. Anniversary Endowment Fund: Established in 2022; earnings will be available to further of the work of the Church.
2. FBC Missions Fund: Used to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people locally and in other parts of the country and the world.
3. FBC Ministries Fund: Supports ongoing and unforeseen opportunities for ministries and programs within the Church.
4. John 3:16 Benevolence Fund: Used to meet emergency needs of members and nonmembers..
5. Building Maintenance Fund: Supports all aspects of the facility and equipment maintenance and repair not included in the annual Ministry Funding Plan.

Should you desire to discuss a designated gift to the church outside of these five funds, please reach out to Pastor Emily.

As always, thank you for your faithful support of the ministries and missions of First Baptist on Fifth!