Created to Serve
by Barbara E. Swarthout
As Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church prepares to
celebrate the bicentennial anniversary of its founding, the theme chosen for the accompanying 2008
stewardship campaign is “Created to Serve.” A biblical reference supporting this concept and advocating
service and stewardship is “Just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his
ransom for many,” (Matthew 20:28).
Pledge Campaign Chair Chad Stubbs notes that “the power of Christ equips individuals to be servant leaders and
creates the congregation as a body to serve a world in need.” To fund the work of the congregation, the goal of this year’s pledge campaign is to add 60 new pledging units (pledge cards submitted by individuals or families) and to increase the pledged dollars by 10% in 2008.
FAPC will need your help to make that happen.
Pledge Sunday is November 18, 2007, when at both services members and friends of FAPC will have the opportunity to place a card on the communion table dedicating a portion of their wealth to the work of the church. Those who cannot attend on Pledge Sunday may use the online pledging capability, available through the church Website (www.fapc.org).
Throughout its 200 year history FAPC has come a long way, operating within the Presbyterian tradition of “reformed and always reforming.” It has consistently been a relevant church, a pioneer and an innovator in addressing issues of the day, and has tried to use its resources wisely to the greater glory of God’s kingdom:
• In 1809, the founders of the church at Cedar Street contributed $96 to the New York Presbytery for missionary work, the largest amount given by any church in the Presbytery.
• In 1878, the Loan Relief Society was founded through the Seventh Avenue Chapel (maintained by FAPC) to help loan poor people money without the heavy interest being charged by money lenders and pawnbrokers.
• In the 1960’s, one of the first young adult
fellowship groups (FAYA) was formed.
• In the 1970’s, women were ordained as elders for the first time.
• In 1986, the men’s shelter opened its doors and continues to operate seven nights a week.
• Most recently the homeless ministry on the steps was validated when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the church’s constitutional right to minister to and befriend them.
“The pledges we receive on or before November 18th will determine what we can and cannot do next year,” said the Reverend Roland Perdue. “It defines our budget. It defines our priorities. It is our members and our friends telling the church exactly how much money we can spend serving others in 2008.”
“Can we afford to house 12 homeless men 365 days a year? Can we continue to fund our vibrant family ministries program? Can we continue to serve those in need? This will not be decided by a committee, but by the financial commitments and tithes made through our pledge drive,” added Rev. Perdue.
All programs undergird and give substance to FAPC’s new vision statement, which was recently approved by the Session. It states: “We of the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church will be a relevant servant church that makes a difference for Christ in the lives of people of this city and around the world by utilizing our strategic location at the crossroads of the world in New York City.”
Chad Stubbs cites the PC(USA)’s thoughts on stewardship and encourages everyone to consider them when making a pledge decision for 2008. Stewardship:
• is about making choices, as individuals and in community,
• is about being faithful disciples, caring for and managing all that God has given us,
• involves all aspects of life in all stages of life,
• is the grateful response to God’s grace and
goodness,
• requires consideration of how our choices affect us and others.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine,” (Proverbs 3:9-10).
Actual Pledge Breakdown from 2007 
As you can see, last year we were only able to come close to achieving our goals by everyone participating across all giving levels. For the remaining balance of our budget, we are dependent upon gifts from visitors, plate offerings, building use fees and income from the endowment.
In the spirit of thanksgiving, please consider making a first-time pledge, increasing your current pledge by 5-15%, or by going into deeper waters by moving up a step in the giving categories, so that we at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church can fulfill our extra-large vision. We need your support now more than ever.
Your Pledge Dollars at Work
Staff Liaison:
Robert S. DeLuke, Director of Finance and Business
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Copyright © 1999-2007 Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, 7 West 55th Street,
New York, NY 10019 212.247.0490
