Stewardship Campaign 2011"Embrace God’s Crazy"

What an exciting, challenging, and – from some perspectives – absolutely crazy time to be part of First Congregational Church in Bellevue! We have taken actions in the past year that are bold and call deeply on our faith and commitment to the church.  Some who are wise and cautious might well say, “Are you people nuts!?”

How crazy have we been, to call not one but two wonderful new pastors? How crazy have we been, to look at our aging building, consider once more our presence in downtown Bellevue, and launch a systematic process of envisioning our future? And, just a few years ago, what outside-the-box thinking occurred so that we could see in Fenwick Hall a daytime center for homeless women, and in Lindegren Lounge a transitional home for women working their way out of homelessness?

American culture tells us to think of ourselves first, and focus on personal material gain. But as Christians, we are called to think and act in ways more akin to Divine folly than to conventional wisdom: To care for the sick and to seek justice for the poor and oppressed; love our enemies; and like the Good Samaritan, befriend those who may look or act different.

As you consider your participation in the fall pledge campaign, we hope you will Embrace God’s Crazy: Take just as bold a step in your giving as the steps we are taking as a congregation. Our giving makes our Christian vision a reality; it provides the base we need to develop strong programs serving the congregation and the wider community. Consider increasing your pledge. Consider whether tithing may be right for you.

The Stewardship Campaign occurs over the four Sundays of October, and climaxes on Spirit Sunday (October 23th).  That Sunday we consecrate our gifts to the church:  Pledge cards for next year are collected at the 10:30 service, following by the Gratitude Luncheon in Fenwick Hall.  All are welcome!

Hear the words of Stewardship as spoken by our own members Bill and Pam Boring as they reflect on their own faith journey over the course of their lives.

Estimate of Giving Pledge Card

The Estimate of Giving Pledge Card is in PDF format and can be downloaded and printed. This is your pledge for 2012, for the contribution year January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. After you have completed it, please send it to Sally Moore in the church office.

To help you decide on your level of giving this year, you can use our Grow One Step chart and our Percentage Giving table.  You can also use our Giving worksheet to plan your overall giving (a sample completed worksheet and instructions are available at How much should I give?).

Thanks for your support!