Why We Give
Why We Give
Jesus said, "Give all that you have away to the poor, then follow me." The man departed despondent because he was a wealthy man who did not want to part with his riches. Jesus told the disciples, "It is harder for a rich man to get to heaven than for a camel to go through the eye of a needle."
Special Christmas Offerings
Envelopes for the following offering were included in the Advent mailing. Additional envelopes may be found in the pew rack and narthex. Thank you for your generosity to those in need.
Christmas Joy Offering: The 2011 Christmas offering will continue West Side's tradition of caring for our neighbors in need by supporting the following groups:
• Baby Basics--This organization serves low-income families who have children ages newborn-2 by providing free formula for one year and diapers for two years.
• Free the Kids--Their aim is to help Haiti's abandoned and vulnerable children by nurturing them so they will lead more productive lives. To this end they are not only feeding and educating the orphans, but currently constructing a medical clinic for them and the larger community.
• Youth Self-Development in Paterson--Weekly tutoring in math and English helps prepare these young people for college. Financial assistance for college is awarded as they meet academic requirements.
• Board of Pensions of the PC(USA): Support is provided to retired Presbyterian Church workers who have an emergency or financial need.
Christmas Homeless Offering: This offering supports Family Promise, the only organization in Bergen County helping working families overcome the crisis of temporary homelessness and return to self-sufficiency. West Side will continue to house these families for one week at three separate times during the year.
Year-End Reminder
In order to ensure that your 2011 gifts to West Side are properly recorded, please make sure that gifts for calendar 2011 are postmarked by December 31st, 2011.
The Grateful Heart Gives: Stewardship Update
On behalf of the Session, Trustees, and the Board of Stewards, a sincere thank-you to the 292 families who have collectively pledged $885,541 to support the Ministry and Mission of this congregation for 2012. We have gratefully received commitments of $76,467 from 42 families who had not pledged before and increases of $61,536 from 109 families. But our work is not yet done: approximately 300 families have not yet informed us of their intentions for 2012. We hope to hear from every member, so if you have not yet had the opportunity to respond to God's invitation to generosity, prayerfully consider doing so today by completing the pledge card in the pew. Help make 2012--the year of our Centennial--a year of restorations to Mission and Ministry.--Myra Garcia and Fred Jubitz, co-chairs, Board of Stewards
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
The Pastor's Discretionary Fund is very low. We have been receiving many calls in recent weeks from young families who are unable to pay their rent. They are being evicted from their homes, locked out from their food and personal belongings. There are 1-4 children involved in most of these cases. The husband or boyfriend has been injured or lost his job and often has abandoned the family. The women are trying to make it on their own in a low-paying job. We have been helping them pay back rent to get them back into their own homes. If you feel called on to give in response to this special need, now is a very good time. Thank you to those who have already stepped forward to help.--Gareth Icenogle
Budget Update
If you are able and willing, please consider giving what you can. Here is the latest update regarding our finances:
Our current income is $1,230,327. Our current expenses are $1,363,060, leaving a gap of $132,733. Budgeted income to date is $1,442,308, leaving a gap of $211,981, when compared to our current income.
Our elders and trustees are concerned about our finances, but believe we have positive momentum as our ministries move into the fall. Let us together give what we can. Thank you for your generosity.
As Christians, our faith-based desire to help others can carry into the future and may be accomplished by a will, a trust, or a life income plan. You can specify the use or purpose of your gift, such as youth programs, mission work, or other areas of the church and ministry. Or your gift may be unrestricted, permitting the Church to use your gift where the need is greatest. For further information, see Keith Schnaars.