June 24, 2025

Dear Friend of Jesus and First Presbyterian Church,

This has been a strong year for our church, thanks to you and the Holy Spirit! I am so grateful for the blessings God has poured out on us, and you are one of those blessings. Whether you are front and center in worship, knee deep in children’s ministry, watching quietly at home, or praying from afar, you are part of the First Pres family.

Thank you for supporting our family over the past year. Each week, I am humbled by the ways you serve and support this church, and I know that you do so because of your love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Together, our family is growing in size and in faith. New people are joining. People of all ages and life stages are digging into the Word of God together for guidance, strength, and identity in a turbulent world. As we sing and worship the living God together, we experience peace that quells anxiety, unity that triumphs over division, and redemption in Jesus Christ that restores us.

We need your continued support to keep going strong. I am glad to share that we are approaching the end of our fiscal year on June 30 in a strong financial position. We need your sustaining support. In our church, everyone’s gifts—large or small—truly matter.

I humbly ask you to do the following:

• Will you make a gift to help us over the finish line of this fiscal year? This is a great time to ensure that you have fulfilled your pledge or given what you intended.
• Will you make a pledge? A pledge is a commitment to give a certain amount to support the church over the course of a year. When you pledge, the church can plan and budget responsibly. It’s not legally binding—if your circumstances change, your giving can change. A pledge is an act of trust in God and a spiritual commitment. By far the easiest way to make it happen is to arrange for automatic giving using this secure link.
• Will you consider tithing, or come 1% closer to tithing? A simple, biblical way to sustain the church and its mission is tithing—giving 10% of income. The concept goes back to the Old Testament (Leviticus 27:30) and is consistent with the New Testament call to radical generosity. This idea is not meant to cause stress, but to challenge us to use our resources in a way that matches the true priorities of our hearts. “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:7). If this is new to you, would you consider taking a step toward tithing by giving 1% more of your income?

To check your giving numbers, set up easy automatic giving, or get assistance with a more complex transaction, our CPA Terri Benno is here to help. Email her anytime at cpa@firstpresrf.org. 

Gratefully yours in Christ,

Pastor Donna Marsh