Because use we are a people created in the image of God and redeemed in Jesus Christ, everything we do is a grateful response to God.

Stewardship is a way we can challenge those of you who are currently pledging to renew your financial commitment to God and this church and to prayerfully consider "stepping up" the percentage of your gift - by whatever amount you are able. For those of you who have not been tithing or who are new to the congregation, we are asking you to "step in" and consider supporting our ministry needs, giving whatever amount God lays on your heart.

The Giving Chart below can help you consider how to respond to this challenge. It is only a guideline for weekly giving. We are confident that if each member responds to this challenge, then we will provide all of the financial resources needed to support our ministries in 2009-2010

Approximate Weekly Commitment Proportionate to Income
Annual Income	15%	10%	7%	6%	5%	4%	3%
75,000	216.00	144.00	100.00	87.00	72.00	58.00	43.00
60,000	173.00	115.00	80.00	69.00	58.00	46.00	35.00
50,000	144.00	96.00	67.00	58.00	48.00	38.00	29.00
45,000	130.00	87.00	61.00	52.00	43.00	35.00	26.00
40,000	115.00	77.00	54.00	46.00	38.00	31.00	23.00
35,000	101.00	67.00	47.00	40.00	34.00	27.00	20.00
30,000	87.00	58.00	40.00	35.00	29.00	23.00	17.00
25,000	72.00	48.00	34.00	29.00	24.00	19.00	14.00
20,000	58.00	38.00	27.00	23.00	19.00	15.00	12.00
15,000	43.00	29.00	20.00	17.00	14.00	12.00	9.00
10,000	29.00	19.00	13.00	11.00	10.00	8.00	6.00

God has good things in store for us. May we listen and serve faithfully, for truly, Faithfulness Sustains the Generations.

Stewardship is first and foremost about our response to what God has done for us. God's provision for our needs prompts our grateful thanksgiving. God calls us into the shared ministries in this church. These shared ministries have needs, and each of us should look at how we can – ever more faithfully – support Christ’s church through our stewardship of time, talents, energy and, yes, money.

Our budget is a detailed expression of what is necessary to support the ministries of the First Presbyterian Church of Montrose, PA. One helpful way to look at the financial needs of the church is to examine our ministry priorities. In doing this, it is then possible to say we engage in five ministries at this church:

Worship: At the heart of our Christian faith and life is the worship of God. In our regular Sunday worship and in special worship activities, we come together to offer God our praise and thanksgiving. This is the foremost area of pastoral leadership, and it is supported by our wonderful choir and music leadership, the support staff and by our utilities. Our lives are blessed and our faith grows as we gather around God’s word, font and table.

Missions: Our support of Christ’s church at work in Montrose and abroad in essence allows us to touch people we will likely never see. This is part of our heritage as Presbyterians and our calling as Christians. The gospel is shared, people are fed, conflicts are resolved, and hope is restored as we empower others to service “after the example of Jesus Christ.”

Evangelism: This faith community exists within the community of Montrose and we need to invite people to join us in our shared ministries. Practicing our “Restaurant Theology”. We are called to reflect God’s love and grace, given so freely to us. In our hospitality and our outreach others see Jesus Christ at work in our lives.

Nurturing and Fellowship: This year we need to focus a lot of time and energy in strengthening one of the foundations of the church – our care for each other. As we plan for our 200^th Anniversary celebration we need to lift up each other in love. We need to do so in times of crisis and we celebrate life together in our fellowship. Part of what God intends for us to be is an extended family of love and support for each other.

Christian Education: The good news of Jesus Christ is shared through our educational ministries in a full range of classes and programs for children, youth and adults. Things are changing; therefore we need to welcome the new vision of what God wants to offer us in education all of our members.