Each year in the month of March, our church goes through a period of reflection and renewal in preparation for the start of its new fiscal year on April 1.
There is a lot to do to get ready! As a congregational church, we govern and support ourselves financially. We contribute our time, talent and funds to support the church community.
The Annual Appeal helps raise the funds needed for the ongoing operations of First Parish. We each decide for ourselves what we can afford to pledge (or “promise” to contribute) during the coming church year (which runs April 1 – March 31). Pledges both large and small account for more than half of the church operating budget. Broad participation of members and friends is the key to maintaining healthy church finances.
The Giving Committee coordinates the Annual Appeal in March, but the entire congregation works to make this a special time. Typically we begin the month with social gatherings primarily focused on being together. The theme this year is “We Rise”, which we hope will be inspiring as each of us consider for ourselves ways the First Parish community brings meaning to our lives and how we might contribute.
Information about church finances will be available via our Annual Appeal brochure. In the brief calendar below, we call attention to the events on March 3 and 9 as important ways to socialize and reflect.
We hope you will join us! Supervised playtime for children will be provided for the event on March 9th.
Annual Appeal Calendar
- Sunday, Feb. 25 – Stewardship Sunday Service
- Sunday, March 3 – Committee Fair (after service, learn non-monetary ways to contribute)
- Saturday, March 9 – Potluck Lunch (12:30-3pm, socialize and ask questions)
- Saturday March 9 – Online Social Gathering (7pm)
- Sunday March 10 – Presentation (after service)
- Sunday, March 27 – Official Pledge Period ends
- Monday, April 1 – New Church Year begins
- Saturday, April 7 – Annual Meeting (after service)
Sincerely,
The FPW Giving Committee
Bob Shay
John Portz
Michael Collins
Clint Sours