Many people, when they're thinking about being a part of a church or faith community, have serious questions or concerns about giving money or time to that community.  Where does the money go?  Is it used wisely?  Is it making a difference?  Is it just about money...or is there more?  Read on. 

• First Presbyterian has a "unified" budget-all costs of overseas and local mission (about 18% of total budget), ministries, staff salaries, and facilities are combined in one budget overseen by the Session (elders) of the church and administered by a staff bookkeeper and Director of Finance.  The expenses related to Vine are integrated into this unified budget.

• Over 90% of the income for the budget come from ‘pledges' of members and active attenders. A 'pledge is the giving plan people turn in as their faith covenant for the year, which the Session uses as a guide to prepare the budget. This ensures the plan for spending is the fullest possible stewardship of the funds received. The rest of the income comes from ‘loose' plate offerings from worship gatherings, facility rental income, and investment income. FPC receives no funding from outside entities.

• FPC carries no debt. Thanks to generous building fund pledges, the facility and its 2000-2001 expansion has been fully paid for and the church carries no outstanding financing.

• Just as important as the gift of financial resources is the gift of time. Money is important, but the real work of Jesus is relational and hands-on. The work of our faith community is dependent on members and frequent attenders giving of their time as volunteers, evangelists, caregivers, pray-ers, and missionaries.

• 2009 Financial Picture: The Session has approved a budget of $2.2 million for the coming year. FPC has been impacted by the recession like most churches have, as people have had to adjust their giving in response to decreased income or concerns about the future. Over $200,000 has been trimmed from the 2009 budget in comparison with the 2008 budget. Salaries have been frozen at last year's levels. Several staff positions have been eliminated or consolidated. The local and overseas mission expenditures planned for next year have been decreased by $65,000. Several items will now require outside-the-budget funding to continue: Vacation Bible School, the 2nd youth mission trip, the annual choir trip to Montreat, and funds for certain building maintenance projects.

• Vine Food- another strategy for meeting this year's budget is to make Vine food self-supporting. To continue coffee, donuts and fruit for all people will require each person who enjoys the food items to bring $2 each week to cover the costs. HOWEVER, first-time visitors and guests will be extended the ministry of hospitality and welcome and will not be asked to pay for their food. Vine people can help cover these costs by bringing an extra dollar for a guest or visitor.

• You can also help today by taking the next step into God's "Plan BE" for your life by filling out a covenant card online here.

Other info...

Denomination

Vine and FPC are a part of a denomination called the Presbyterian Church (USA), which offers a network of governing bodies to keep our church connected, resourced and accountable.  A small part of our operating budget goes to operating and mission costs of these governing bodies.

Special Gifts

Special opportunities are offered for people to give to causes and particular needs.  A building fund, special offering opportunities, and special offerings are available for designated gifts.

Oversight and Confidentiality

All offerings and financial gifts are overseen by the governing board of FPC (called "The Session") with assistance from a bookkeeper on staff and a Finance Committee.  FPC's financial records are audited every year by an outside firm.  Information about financial gifts and individual givers is known only to the bookkeeper and administrative director, and not by the pastors or church members.   A comprehensive copy of the budget is available to anyone upon request in the church office.