Giving

Our Philosophy

The Worship Place, being independent and interdenominational, does not require tithing and does not maintain rigid policies for contributions.  We believe that giving is a personal thing between individuals and God.  Most individuals contribute in direct relation to the monetary blessings they have received, and their desire to further God’s work and Word. Strict confidentiality regarding individual contributions is maintained.

Methods of Contribution

The Worship Place offers several ways for members to make contributions.  You may use one or more of these methods to fulfill your stewardship responsibilities.

  • Pledge annually to sustain the yearly mission and operating expenses using the Estimate of Giving Form and then make regular donations to fulfill your promise.
  • Donate a Memorial Gift in the name of a loved one using the Memorial Gift form.
  • Make weekly or monthly donations during church services in envelopes provided at church.
  • Establish a direct deposit from First Texas State Bank to The Worship Place.
  • Make a Charitable Trust donation (contact the Treasurer for instructions).
  • Designate The Worship Place as a beneficiary in your will (contact the Treasurer for assistance)

At the end of each year, contributors receive a statement of his or her individual giving record for that year.  The statement itemizes the amount given to each Fund along with a total amount given.

 

HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DISTRIBUTED

The Worship Place is blessed with a great membership which contributes to daily operations, ministries, and the future of the church.    The following are the various budget formats and the distribution of money. GENERAL CONTRIBUTIONS:  These funds are not specified by the giver to be used for any specific purpose.  Therefore, they are placed in the General Operating Fund.

General Operating Fund —–The first 17% of the GOF is set aside for the Benevolence Fund.  The Benevolence Committee distributes these funds ($100,640. in 2008) to various local organizations and missions within and outside of the United States. —–GOF funds are used for the overall operations of the church, including utilities, building maintenance, salaries, office equipment, worship supplies, flowers, and appropriate reserves. The Trustees have determined that a three month, plus the current month, reserve should be established and maintained in the General Operating Fund in the event of an emergency. —–The Finance Committee meets monthly and reviews the operating expenses, reserves and excess funds.  The committee makes recommendations to the  Trustees if there are excess funds to be transferred to the Building Equipment Reserve Fund and/or Building For The Future Fund. —–All surplus funds are invested in interest bearing Certificates of Deposit.

Building and Equipment Reserve Fund —–This fund was renamed from The Capital Fund to provide a better understanding of how the account is to be used.  At year-end 2008 the Trustees transferred $60,000 from the GOF to the BERF in order to increase the balance in the BERF. It was determined that as our facility is becoming older more expenses will be incurred.  As an example, this year two air conditioner compressors had to be replaced costing in excess of 5,000. each.  Other related items are repair to doors, replacement of lights, future carpet replacement, and any required upgrades to the heating/air conditioning equipment. The 2009 budget includes a monthly allocation of $3,000 to be placed in the BERF.

Building For The Future Fund —–This fund has been established to receive contributions designated for the new Fellowship Hall.  The Worship Place has expanded its ministries such as: Special Friends, Women’s and Men’s Groups, Bible Study Classes, Singles Ministry (One-der-fuls) and others who are required to use the foyer for their meetings. These groups are restricted in numbers due to the size of the foyer and fire codes. If TWP is to continue to grow we must meet these demands for more space.  Space requirements continue to expand to store equipment, tables, chairs, and ministry supplies. The church administration offices are very small, and we lack adequate space for our copiers and other office equipment. We need space for Audio Visual growth for DVD recording, duplication, and photography.   We need rooms for Sunday School classes, evening meetings and social activities like church dinners.  You may contribute to the Building For The Future Fund by designating BFTF on your check or by using the offering envelope in the pew and designate BFTF.  All money contributed to this fund will be used for the new building.  The Finance Committee and the Trustees have agreed to consider the transfer of certain excess funds from General Operating Funds into the Building For The Future. Special Designations —–Contributions made to the Memorial Fund, (money given in memory of someone), Special Friends and special missions or projects are maintained separately and used only for those purposes indicated.

Restricted Funds —–Donations with a specific instruction:

a.     A room in the new building in honor of Al and Peggy Cummins

b.     A piano for the new Fellowship Hall

c.      Kitchen equipment for the new  Fellowship Hall

d.     Instruments for the Music Ministry These are a few examples of restricted funds and how they are to be used.  These funds are used according to the instructions received with the gift. —–

We hope that this brief description describes the major aspects of the financial operations as well as the various contributions given to The Worship Place and their management.  Always feel free to ask any questions regarding your contributions and special gifts. You may indicate how you want your contribution used by writing the fund in the Memo area of your check or by checking the fund of your choice on the offering envelope in the pew rack.  (You may split your contribution between funds).