What is Stewardship?
According to Webster's, "It is the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially : the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care.

Stewardship at FCC
Being a good steward is someone who gives their time, their talents, and their financial support. Being a steward at FCC provides the financial foundation for the operation of First Congregational Church of Natick. All the contributions we receive in the annual stewardship drive supports our pastors, our worship services, our church school, our adult education programs, social events and mission/outreach efforts. It supports all the ingredients that go into making this church a place for worship, for service to our community and the wider world, for solace and celebration.

Pledging your financial support to the church and sharing your time and talent allows for budget planning and for our future dreams to become reality. The church’s pledge drive occurs in the fall each year and we use those pledged dollar amounts to calculate next year's budget. In the Congregational tradition, all people have an equal stake in not only the way our church operates but in its care. Our church is vital and active because of everyone's contributions.

Your pledge is an integral part of the overall church budget. The church budget is presented at the Annual Meeting, held in early February, for final approval by the congregation. The church's fiscal year ends December 31. Prior to accepting a new budget, committees project their budget needs in the fall prior to fiscal year-end, and the Coordinating Committee along with Finance and Stewardship Committees make recommendations for the entire church budget based on pledges received and projected income. A full financial statement can be requested from the church office. Pledges received by December 1, will greatly help as we prepare our budget. As a contributor, you will receive quarterly statements of your financial gifts for your records.

Whether you volunteer to teach Sunday School, chair a committee, head up a social activity, help someone in need from the congregation, and make a pledge commitment, we count on your support and appreciate the many gifts people offer to our church.

Luke 6:38
" ...give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."

You can pledge your financial support to FCC at any time during the year by requesting a pledge form from the office 508-653-0971 or e-mail admin@fcc1651.org.

Click here for the 2007 Stewardship Moment with Janet Levesque.

Your Contribution Matters

2007 budgeted operating costs for FCC were approximately $457,000.00.

In 2007 we have 105 pledging families/individuals with an average pledge amount of $2,000.

Pledges and contributions from our church "stewards" represents 52% of our 2007 income.

Endowment Funds were 13% of our 2007 budget income.

Other church use was 35% of our 2007 budget income.