Types of Giving
Giving is a much broader concept that involves a way of life.
It encompasses our time, talents and resources, as well as the ways we engage with people in our lives be they known to us or are strangers. Our emphasis here at FPC is on fulfilling our Vision and Mission, which we have been called to live-into.
Giving options here at First Presbyterian Church
endowment Gifts
An endowed gift is an investment in the future of FPC - a gift that the church holds in perpetuity. The endowment supports the churched mission and ministries in the Skaneateles community and wider area. Donors may designate a gift toward a specific purpose or send an unrestricted gift that the Session may designate.
Bequests & Planned Giving
Planned Giving encompasses a full menu of estate planning scenarios, but in its most basic form it is either a bequest or a life income gift.
A Bequest
A bequest is a gift by will of a percentage or specific dollar amount of the donor's estate to a charitable organization such as First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles NY. An addendum to your existing will, or a provision in a newly created one, stipulating a specific dollar amount or percentage of your estate, is all that is required. Lawyers are very experienced at including these provisions.
Historically, planned gifts have made it possible for our church to pay for some extraordinary projects, the restoration of the stained-glass windows in the sanctuary.
Honorary & Memorial Gifts
Memorial funds may be established by a person or family in memory of their loved one. Donations to these funds are a wonderful way to honor the memory of friends or family members. Our pastor and staff work with families, individuals and each of the churches ministries to create a meaningful, satisfying match of your gifts with the needs of the church and our congregation.
Partnering with Other Churches through Special Offerings
Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) Offerings
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has created church-wide opportunities each year called Special Offerings to support specific causes. The focuses of the offerings correspond with the season of the liturgical year or special days of the church calendar: the Christmas Joy Offering is generally received the Sunday before Christmas; One Great Hour of Sharing on or near Easter Sunday; and the Peacemaking Offering on World Communion Sunday. All the ministries supported by these offerings represent priorities lifted up by the denomination.
FPC participates in the following three special offerings of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Appropriate links are given below to information on the PC (USA) website. Special offering envelopes are available in the church pews at the appropriate times of the yearThe Christmas Joy Offering has been a Presbyterian tradition for more than 70 years. Its proceeds benefit active and retired workers of the church in times of need and also support the work of racial ethnic Presbyterian schools and colleges.
One Great hour of sharing
Since 1949 One Great Hour of Sharing has helped people in need around the world. The offering supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Self-Development of People and the Presbyterian Hunger Program.
Pentecost Offering
The Pentecost Offering helps the church encourage, develop, and support its young people, to build a life of faith with a foundation established during childhood. It also addresses the needs of at-risk children.
Peace & Global Witness Offering
The Peacemaking Offering is distributed among local congregations (25 percent), presbyteries and synods (25 percent) and the General Assembly (50 percent) for peacemaking efforts. The offering is usually dedicated on World Communion Sunday, the first Sunday in October.