Dana Lange's Letter to the WPC Membership

Oct. 2, 2006

 Dear Faithful of Westminster,

 It is that time of year again stewardship season.  But this stewardship campaign is our first in 33 years without our giving guide, Haywood Holderness.  So in tribute to him and the great financial shape he left us in the theme of our campaign is “WE CAN.” 

We are a great church.  We have been a great church and we will remain a great church.  But to do that, we have to continue to be a generous church.  If you were in church this past Sunday you saw the cans stacked up to represent how much we spent this year.  It takes $520,000 to pay the staff and provide benefits.  Running the church buildings and vehicles takes $116,000.  Worship, music, youth, Christian education and service and nurture costs $70,000 and lastly we gave over $230,000 away to benevolences and missions.   It took $990,000 to be our church.  (All this does not include the generous amounts you gave towards Haywood’s retirement.) 

 So now is not the time to stop being Westminster.  Can we serve the lord and continue to do all the good work we do as a church?  Yes, WE CAN.

 Please prayerful consider what Westminster means to you and the life of your family.  Please consider what Westminster means to the life of our city, state, country and the world.  We need over $1,000,000 just to stay our Westminster.  What part will you play?

You will learn more about what WE CAN do in the coming weeks.  At the beginning of November you will receive a pledge card in the mail.  The most important thing you can do is to make sure that you make a pledge.

The culmination of our campaign will be WE CAN Sunday, November 11^th.  On that Sunday, we will celebrate by all walking our pledge card envelopes to the front of church and placing them at the altar.  After church we will have a BIG celebration lunch.  Once again, that Sunday will be a dress down Sunday.  The food will be great and there will be fun activities for the children so plan on being there.

 If you know you will not be at church on November 12^th please consider making your pledge early.  We have many convenient ways you can do that by either calling (489-4974 x 122), e-mailing Barbara@wpcdurham.org or stopping into see Barbara Fletcher at the church office.  If we have not heard from you concerning your pledge by November 12^th, an Elder will be visiting you.

 During this time of transition WE CAN remain strong and continue to attract great staff to Westminster.  Thank you for being the Westminster we love.

Warmly,

 Dana