Connected & Caring

When we think about “church,” we often think about the people and activities right here in our local community. Church is worship on Sunday morning. Church is hosting and volunteering with Blessings in a Backpack. Church is sending volunteers, food, and money to the Galesburg FISH food pantry. Church is fellowship in the assembly room, sewing in the parlor, Thursday coffee, Wednesday Night Live, and Youth Group. Yes, that is "church," absolutely.

However, our church is also more than just a local congregation. We are part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination.  The PC(USA) supports and equips those going into professional ministry; provides for non-English, immigrant, and minority churches; builds relationships with other religious groups; preserves our heritage through the Presbyterian Historical Society; provides support and guidance to local churches; leads in disaster assistance across the nation and globe; and addresses poverty and hunger through various programs.

To do all of this ministry it takes funding, of course. Each year, local churches find out the cost, per member, to fund: our Presbytery (PCUSA congregations in central Illinois), Synod (Synod of Lincoln Trails), and the General Assembly (national PCUSA body). This year, the cost is $37.25 per member in our Presbytery.  More than 63%  of that stays with the Presbytery, about 10% goes to the Synod, and 27% to the General Assembly. Our Presbytery (Presbytery of Great Rivers -PGR) operates on a shoestring budget with mostly volunteers, making our per capita one of the lowest, offering a great value for $37.25.

Think of that value. That is the cost to top off with 10 gallons of fuel or a restaurant check, but when we give that money: people are fed, love and resources are shared after disasters, ministers are educated and nurtured, local churches are grown, and bridges are built with other religious groups. Some churches have come to think of Per Capita as a membership fee, but that may not do it justice.  The per capita is what connects us to a worldwide ministry and ensures that we touch lives from Galesburg to Pittsburg to St. Petersburg.   When we give to the per capita above and beyond our budget pledge (especially when we cover family members who are inactive but wish to remain on the membership roll) we are ensuring we will connect with other churches to change lives, grow God's kingdom, and reshape the world in Godly ways!

Per Capita at FPC

In the past, Per Capita was presented as a membership fee, with the church only passing on what was given, per family, for that purpose. However, two years ago, the church committed to paying our full per capita obligation ($7,859.75, currently), regardless of specific contributions.

This year, we have received $885.09 above budget pledges for per capita. That is almost $900 freed up in our budget for local ministry and mission! Thank you to each family that has shared per capita checks above and beyond their pledge.

By covering the full per capita cost, we meet our obligations and support vital ministries, allowing us to allocate additional funds towards new and ongoing local initiatives, enhancing our impact and outreach.