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first wesleyan church
EXPANDING OUR POSSIBILITIES
OUR MISSION
“WE HAVE THIS HOPE AS AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL, FIRM AND SECURE” - HEBREWS 6:19
Dear Easton First Wesleyan Family, God has united us together with the opportunity to have an impact on the 151,000 people who live in the 39 zip codes in the mid-shore region that our church is located. We have a part to play to REACH people and CONNECT them to Jesus. “Expanding Our Possibilities” is a direct effort to accomplish this mission and to take us to a new level of loving our community. I am reminded of Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”. I believe this is the purpose that God has for us as a church, to dream big, to reach new territory, to do something that can only be explained as a God thing. Will we allow God to do more than we ask or imagine? Yes, we will talk about money. Yes, we will have financial goals. But the ultimate purpose of this campaign doesn’t involve money at all. It involves an effort to build Christ’s church and expand His kingdom. It’s about expanding our Possibilities. I invite you to look through this booklet carefully. I encourage you to pray, seek Gods direction, and participate in this effort as He leads you. My family and I are personally committed to this challenge. I can’t wait to see what God does through us. Blessings, Dave Finlay Lead Pastor
OUR STORY
First Wesleyan Church was established in 1901 as a result of a tent meeting in 1900. The first church building was built on South Street in 1903. This building served as the church home until 1951 when the church moved to a new building on Goldsborough Street (the current site and sanctuary). Since then, First Wesleyan has added multiple plots of land and multiple buildings and expansions. Through its 116 years of existence, 23 different pastors have led First Wesleyan Church. The church has experienced many challenges and victories over the years. Through it all, First Wesleyan Church has remained a steadfast anchor in the community of Easton providing the truth and light of God to His people. In 2014, Pastor Dave Finlay came to First Wesleyan as an assistant pastor. He and his wife Melinda both served on staff under Pastor Mark James. When Pastor Mark was called to a new position in South Carolina in 2016, Pastor Dave was called to lead the church as the new lead pastor. Since then, First Wesleyan Church has moved forward on a mission to “Connect people to Jesus”.
YOUR PART When God calls us to be involved in what may seem “impossible” it often requires growth, stretching, courage, and sacrifice. We are asking everyone to seek God to ask Him how you can play a role in “Expanding Our Possibilities” as we seek to Connect people to Jesus here at FWC. Here’s how: Pray - Thank God for His blessings in your life. Remember that God owns everything and you simply have the blessing of managing what He has given you. Surrender all you are to God. Listen - Quiet your life and listen to God. Start with this prayer, “Lord, what do you want to do through me to accomplish Your will for Your church?” Obey - Do whatever God asks you to do. If you trust in Him, He will provide and allow His church to take the next steps in Expanding Our Possibilities in our community. You will receive a commitment card that we are asking you to pray over for the next two weeks.
How will God have you be a part of what He is doing at FWC? Example of how funds can be raised 2 people give $5000 each = $10,000 4 people give $2500 each = $10,000 10 people give $1000 each = $10,000 15 people give $500 each = $7,500 25 people give $100 each = $2,500 Total = $40,000
QUESTIONS Questions to ask yourself As you consider your commitment to “Expanding Our Possibilities,” these questions might provide some guidance: Have I invited God into this decision-making process? Does this gift reflect what I believe God wants me to do, or is it just what I think I can afford to give? Does this gift stretch my faith and lead me to a place of trusting God? (2 Corinthians 9:8) Does this gift show that my investment priorities are in heavenly things rather than earthly things? (Matthew 6:19) Will this gift reflect how much I love Christ and His Church? (2 Corinthians 8:8) Does this gift represent a genuine sacrifice? (2 Samuel 24:24)
F.A.Q.s Q - When and how will I make my commitment? A: A commitment card will be available over the next couple of weeks. Simply complete that card and bring it to the regular Sunday morning gathering on Sept. 24, 2017. If you cannot attend that weekend, mail or bring your card to the church in advance, so that your gift is included in the total. Q - I already give to the general fund of the church. Should I divert some of my general fund giving to this campaign? A: “Expanding Our Possibilities” gifts are additional to giving to the general fund. If we switch giving from the general fund to the campaign, then the ongoing ministries of the church will suffer. Q - When will we know the total given to this campaign? A: The total of cash gifts and year commitments will be announced on Sept. 24, 2017. Q - When will the campaign giving begin and end? A: Cash gifts and/or one-time gifts will begin on Sept. 24, 2017 and the campaign will continue through Aug. 2018. Q - Do I give towards my commitment yearly, quarterly, or weekly? A: You may give by whatever timetable best suits your situation. Q - Will my financial contributions be made public? A: No. Just like all financial contribution to FWC, the highest possible levels of confidentiality are maintained.
first wesleyan church www.eastonfirst.org
EXPANDING OUR POSSIBILITIES
OUR MISSION
“WE HAVE THIS HOPE AS AN ANCHOR FOR THE SOUL, FIRM AND SECURE” - HEBREWS 6:19
Dear Easton First Wesleyan Family, God has united us together with the opportunity to have an impact on the 151,000 people who live in the 39 zip codes in the mid-shore region that our church is located. We have a part to play to REACH people and CONNECT them to Jesus. “Expanding Our Possibilities” is a direct effort to accomplish this mission and to take us to a new level of loving our community. I am reminded of Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”. I believe this is the purpose that God has for us as a church, to dream big, to reach new territory, to do something that can only be explained as a God thing. Will we allow God to do more than we ask or imagine? Yes, we will talk about money. Yes, we will have financial goals. But the ultimate purpose of this campaign doesn’t involve money at all. It involves an effort to build Christ’s church and expand His kingdom. It’s about expanding our Possibilities. I invite you to look through this booklet carefully. I encourage you to pray, seek Gods direction, and participate in this effort as He leads you. My family and I are personally committed to this challenge. I can’t wait to see what God does through us. Blessings, Dave Finlay Lead Pastor
OUR STORY
First Wesleyan Church was established in 1901 as a result of a tent meeting in 1900. The first church building was built on South Street in 1903. This building served as the church home until 1951 when the church moved to a new building on Goldsborough Street (the current site and sanctuary). Since then, First Wesleyan has added multiple plots of land and multiple buildings and expansions. Through its 116 years of existence, 23 different pastors have led First Wesleyan Church. The church has experienced many challenges and victories over the years. Through it all, First Wesleyan Church has remained a steadfast anchor in the community of Easton providing the truth and light of God to His people. In 2014, Pastor Dave Finlay came to First Wesleyan as an assistant pastor. He and his wife Melinda both served on staff under Pastor Mark James. When Pastor Mark was called to a new position in South Carolina in 2016, Pastor Dave was called to lead the church as the new lead pastor. Since then, First Wesleyan Church has moved forward on a mission to “Connect people to Jesus”.
YOUR PART When God calls us to be involved in what may seem “impossible” it often requires growth, stretching, courage, and sacrifice. We are asking everyone to seek God to ask Him how you can play a role in “Expanding Our Possibilities” as we seek to Connect people to Jesus here at FWC. Here’s how: Pray - Thank God for His blessings in your life. Remember that God owns everything and you simply have the blessing of managing what He has given you. Surrender all you are to God. Listen - Quiet your life and listen to God. Start with this prayer, “Lord, what do you want to do through me to accomplish Your will for Your church?” Obey - Do whatever God asks you to do. If you trust in Him, He will provide and allow His church to take the next steps in Expanding Our Possibilities in our community. You will receive a commitment card that we are asking you to pray over for the next two weeks.
How will God have you be a part of what He is doing at FWC? Example of how funds can be raised 2 people give $5000 each = $10,000 4 people give $2500 each = $10,000 10 people give $1000 each = $10,000 15 people give $500 each = $7,500 25 people give $100 each = $2,500 Total = $40,000
QUESTIONS Questions to ask yourself As you consider your commitment to “Expanding Our Possibilities,” these questions might provide some guidance: Have I invited God into this decision-making process? Does this gift reflect what I believe God wants me to do, or is it just what I think I can afford to give? Does this gift stretch my faith and lead me to a place of trusting God? (2 Corinthians 9:8) Does this gift show that my investment priorities are in heavenly things rather than earthly things? (Matthew 6:19) Will this gift reflect how much I love Christ and His Church? (2 Corinthians 8:8) Does this gift represent a genuine sacrifice? (2 Samuel 24:24)
F.A.Q.s Q - When and how will I make my commitment? A: A commitment card will be available over the next couple of weeks. Simply complete that card and bring it to the regular Sunday morning gathering on Sept. 24, 2017. If you cannot attend that weekend, mail or bring your card to the church in advance, so that your gift is included in the total. Q - I already give to the general fund of the church. Should I divert some of my general fund giving to this campaign? A: “Expanding Our Possibilities” gifts are additional to giving to the general fund. If we switch giving from the general fund to the campaign, then the ongoing ministries of the church will suffer. Q - When will we know the total given to this campaign? A: The total of cash gifts and year commitments will be announced on Sept. 24, 2017. Q - When will the campaign giving begin and end? A: Cash gifts and/or one-time gifts will begin on Sept. 24, 2017 and the campaign will continue through Aug. 2018. Q - Do I give towards my commitment yearly, quarterly, or weekly? A: You may give by whatever timetable best suits your situation. Q - Will my financial contributions be made public? A: No. Just like all financial contribution to FWC, the highest possible levels of confidentiality are maintained.
first wesleyan church www.eastonfirst.org
