www.firstchurchenid.com             umc@firstchurchenid.com Finance  Stewardship Campaign Each year in the month of October First Church has a  stewardship campaign where church members make a  financial commitment as well as commit their prayers,  presence, gifts, service, and witness to the work of the  church.  The financial pledges are used to create the  church’s budget for that year which determines the scope of the church’s ministry. Church Budget The church budget, created based on the financial pledges of the church members, covers a wide  range of areas including apportionments, staff salaries, programs of the church (such as Youth,  Children, and Care Ministries), missions, and operating costs.  Unless you’ve been a Methodist for a  while (and sometimes not even then) you may be unfamiliar with the term apportionments.   Apportionments are “a portion” of our gifts which are shared across many United Methodist mission  fields.  All United Methodist Churches are expected to work together to support these missions at  home and around the world.  This is a significant part of our budget here at First Church and we are  privileged to participate in this uniquely United Methodist support structure.  Automatic Drafts  Automatic Drafts are easily available for your monthly pledge.  We can draft your account once or  twice a month.  You don’t have to worry anymore when you’re on vacation or out of town on  Sundays.  Your pledge will be taken care of for you.  Come by the business office or call Vicki  Jeffery to set up your automatic draft.  Pre-Paid Pledges Pre-paying your entire pledge before the end of the year is available as an option.  This may provide  tax benefits depending on your circumstances.  Pre-paid pledges have to be paid by December 31 in  order to be claimed for that year’s tax deduction.  Trust Accounts A trust account is one in which the principal remains untouched and the available income is generated  by the interest.  This available income is used for various tasks and in programs throughout the  church.  First UMC has 13 trust accounts that are invested through the Oklahoma United Methodist  Foundation.  Each account is established to be used for a specific area of the church, such as  property maintenance; care, youth, and children’s ministries; missions; scholarships; and others.   Many of these accounts were set up as memorials but donations are allowed at any time.  Living Legacy Since 1893 First United Methodist Church of Enid has been involved in spreading the Word of God in  Enid and the world.  First UMC has numerous and varied ways for planned giving.  Planned giving is a way to make  sure that our resources are used to benefit ministries at First UMC which have had great meaning to our lives and our  families. The purpose of Living Legacy is two-fold:  1.  To compile an active working list of people who are making First Church a part of their will, trust, or life insurance.  2.  To encourage everyone to think about tithing or leaving meaningful assets to First UMC of Enid.  So many people depend on you.  Please don’t leave their future to chance.  Let Living Legacy help you discover the  peace of mind that comes from knowing that the love and commitment you share with others will continue beyond your  lifetime.  Your gift to First United Methodist Church of Enid is a gift that will keep on giving.  Memorials  Memorials are given by friends and family in memory of a loved one.  These memorial gifts can be used according to  the family’s wishes to purchase something needed for the church; they are not used for repairs and maintenance.  Business Administrator Vicki Jeffery 237-2041  x105 business@firstchurchenid.com