Stewardship
The Ministry of Stewardship in 2009 consisted of Elders Tom Harvey, 2nd year, and Dave Neff, 3rd year; and Elected Leaders Brett Himes, Diana Johannessen, and Jonathan House.
At the conclusion of the 2009 pledge year campaign, based on New Consecration Sunday program, we proclaimed a joyous result of approximately 6% increased giving over the previous year. However, we cautioned that with the economic downturn, we needed to be wary of possible non-fulfillment of anticipated pledges during the 2009 year. Indeed, there has been - and continues to be - a year long struggle to ‘keep up’. Several messages were delivered to the Congregation throughout the year both by Stewardship and by the Church Treasurer Graham Peters to faithfully honor pledge commitments to the greatest extent possible.
Focus during the first half of 2009 centered on one of the three cornerstones of Stewardship, Earth Stewardship (the other two being annual giving for operations and whole-life, or personal stewardship). Several articles regarding Earth Stewardship, the conservation and proper use of natural resources and energy saving were written for the Tower. In addition, the Stewardship team concentrated on doing an audit of Forest Hill Church’s use of paper products and cleaning agents. A detailed study led to the recommendation to, and the decision by, the Trustees to adopt a new regime for cleaning agents used throughout the building which reduced costs as well as provided a ‘greener’ solution. Many thanks to Jonathan and Diana who led this effort.
Planning for the annual giving campaign for fiscal year 2010 generated good discussion and the decision to proceed once again with New Consecration Sunday program, and the selection of Rev. Felix Carrion as our Guest Leader/Preacher. All members of the Stewardshp Ministry pitched in to assist with the Session Luncheon and the NCS Celebration Luncheon on NCS Sunday. Elected Leader Brett Himes agreed to serve as NCS Chairman, and he worked closely with past Chair Dave Olson to provide a seamless transition and undertaking of the necessary NCS preparations, details and account management. Rev. Carrion set the bar quite high as he provided a most inspirational and heartfelt NCS Sunday message. As of this writing, the 2010 total estimate of annual giving has not yet reached the level we have envisioned, but we are hoping that nearly-twelfth hour returns will push us over the top!
While not an official function of the Stewardship Ministry per se, during the year Elders Harvey and Neff participated with other committees and staff in many discussions regarding the Building project and potential Capital Giving Campaign to be undertaken in the near future.
Elder David V. Neff