2023 Stewardship Campaign
First Presbyterian Family,
As we enter the 2023 stewardship season, we are still in the midst of a lot of change and uncertainty
within the church. Searching for a new Associate Pastor, along with a new Director of Children’s
Ministries can weigh heavy on our minds with all the “what if’s?” fogging your head. Change can be very
difficult and a fear we don’t want to face, however it can also be a time of excitement and even life
changing! If God didn’t allow us to go through challenging times, how would we know he is able to bring
us through it?
Through this evolving time at First Presbyterian Gastonia, alongside our 2023 Stewardship season, I
challenge you to have prayerful time to search within your heart as to how you can provide change
within your Church involvement. Each member of this congregation was entrusted with different
resources by a giving God who, in turn, calls us to manage them wisely by serving and loving others.
When we open our hearts to God, we can follow his calling through our time, talents and treasures.
So, whether it be stepping out of your comfort zone to teach a Sunday school class, offering to provide
input on a committee, becoming more involved in a small group or circle, providing an extra set of hands
for mission work, or simply increasing your monthly financial pledge, I task you to CHANGE! With
change, whether big or small, we are forced to face new experiences, make new memories, and grow in
our faith. In every aspect of this church, there is so much more to be done, but it takes each member of
this congregation, “for the body is not one member, but many.” (1 Corinthians 12:14)
Stewardship season will kick off October 2 nd with a goal to raise $1.4 million dollars so First Presbyterian
Gastonia can continue experiencing joy and providing generosity as faithful disciples, not only to our
church, but the greater community. Throughout the stewardship season, you will hear from many
members willing to share how stewardship has blessed their lives and the lives of this church. We ask
that you prayerfully take time to ask for God’s guidance and find where your heart is when it comes to
First Presbyterian Gastonia’s mission to worship joyfully, serve the community, grow together in faith,
work for justice and peace, and share the blessings of comfort and grace with all.
Please join us as we challenge ourselves to change and grow the foundation on which our church life is
built by completing the enclosed 2023 pledge card or, if more convenient, scan the QR code with your
phone to be directed to the online giving portal. Together, let’s watch and celebrate as we exceed the
overall participation level of our time, talents, and treasures!
As we enter the 2023 stewardship season, we are still in the midst of a lot of change and uncertainty
within the church. Searching for a new Associate Pastor, along with a new Director of Children’s
Ministries can weigh heavy on our minds with all the “what if’s?” fogging your head. Change can be very
difficult and a fear we don’t want to face, however it can also be a time of excitement and even life
changing! If God didn’t allow us to go through challenging times, how would we know he is able to bring
us through it?
Through this evolving time at First Presbyterian Gastonia, alongside our 2023 Stewardship season, I
challenge you to have prayerful time to search within your heart as to how you can provide change
within your Church involvement. Each member of this congregation was entrusted with different
resources by a giving God who, in turn, calls us to manage them wisely by serving and loving others.
When we open our hearts to God, we can follow his calling through our time, talents and treasures.
So, whether it be stepping out of your comfort zone to teach a Sunday school class, offering to provide
input on a committee, becoming more involved in a small group or circle, providing an extra set of hands
for mission work, or simply increasing your monthly financial pledge, I task you to CHANGE! With
change, whether big or small, we are forced to face new experiences, make new memories, and grow in
our faith. In every aspect of this church, there is so much more to be done, but it takes each member of
this congregation, “for the body is not one member, but many.” (1 Corinthians 12:14)
Stewardship season will kick off October 2 nd with a goal to raise $1.4 million dollars so First Presbyterian
Gastonia can continue experiencing joy and providing generosity as faithful disciples, not only to our
church, but the greater community. Throughout the stewardship season, you will hear from many
members willing to share how stewardship has blessed their lives and the lives of this church. We ask
that you prayerfully take time to ask for God’s guidance and find where your heart is when it comes to
First Presbyterian Gastonia’s mission to worship joyfully, serve the community, grow together in faith,
work for justice and peace, and share the blessings of comfort and grace with all.
Please join us as we challenge ourselves to change and grow the foundation on which our church life is
built by completing the enclosed 2023 pledge card or, if more convenient, scan the QR code with your
phone to be directed to the online giving portal. Together, let’s watch and celebrate as we exceed the
overall participation level of our time, talents, and treasures!
Hayley Nester
2023 Stewardship Campaign Chair
