Annual Giving Campaign 2025: “Sharing Our Bread”
As a congregation, we are entering a time of discerning what resources we will have to support our work next year. Will you take the simple step of making a commitment to support that work over the next year? The decision to give a gift is a choice. As a follower of Jesus, it is something we are called to do. We are invited to respond to what God has given us with our own generosity. And make no mistake – your generosity will make a difference as we work to accomplish positive change in the world. These have been – and continue to be – challenging times for many in our community and our congregation. Giving may be more difficult than it has been in the past. Please know that we celebrate all gifts – regardless of their size – because all our gifts come together to support PCOL’s ministry and mission. We hope you can join us November 17 as we follow our declaration of support for the church over the coming year with a celebration of our fellowship. The centerpiece will be a delicious array of breads from around the world with accompaniments and salad.
Commitment Sunday is November 17
All members will receive via U. S. mail a Giving Packet for 2025, including pledge card, and we ask that all prayerfully consider their giving commitment for the coming year, realizing that it’s an act of faith. We know that circumstances may change for people, but registering your giving intentions helps our leadership plan for the future financially. Please bring your pledge to worship on November 17, when we will dedicate our gifts to God during worship, and then have a celebration meal consisting of delicious and festive lunch, complete with a magic show! You can also give online (see below) and consecrate your gift with a giving token during worship.
Pledge and give online!
This year, we particularly want to encourage everyone to register your pledge online, and to set it up so it gets paid automatically through your bank account or credit card. It’s easy! Here’s a quick tutorial and video.
IRS Guidelines for Year-End Gifts
As you consider your end-of-year giving, we want to make you aware of IRS guidelines that allow for a donation to be included on your 2025 giving statement for tax purposes.
Simply dating a check in December is insufficient according to the IRS guidelines – therefore, please consider the following deadlines:
- Given in the offering plate: by Dec 31
- Hand delivered to the office: by Dec 31
- US Mail: Postmarked by Dec 31
- Private delivery service (FedEx/UPS): Received in-office by Dec 31
- Online credit card gifts: must “fully process” by credit card issuer no later than Dec 31 – we recommend that you initiate an online gift by Dec 23 to allow 5 business days for transaction to fully process by year end.
- Stock donations: received in the church’s brokerage account by Dec 29 – we recommend you initiate a stock transfer by Dec 19 to allow 5 business days for your transaction to fully process by year end. Please contact Ann Wiley at awileyemail@gmail.comfor further information.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Dennis Sheppard, Treasurer.