First United Presbyterian Church
              406 North College Street – Charlotte, North Carolina 28202 – Telephone: (704) 376 – 8014
             Fax: (704) 376-8329 | Website: www.fupcc.org
           Rev. Lorenzo R Small, Sr., Pastor
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.”
~ Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) ~
February 8, 2020

Dear Member,

Greetings and Happy New Year in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! This is an exciting and momentous time in the life of First United Presbyterian Church, USA. With the continued leadership of our pastor, Reverend Lorenzo R. Small, Sr, we faithfully seek ways to support and grow our ministry and mission. To make our ministry as successful and viable as it should be, we invite you to join us on a stewardship journey as we explore together what it means to live more lovingly and generously.

This letter signals the beginning of our 2020 Stewardship Campaign. As we consider God’s blessings, we are in awe of His immense goodness and blessings bestowed upon us. The greatest of these gifts to us are Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior and the constant presence of the Holy Spirit, working in the church and in our lives. As you make your pledges, please consider these questions: What does giving mean to you? How does your giving benefit our ministry? What ways can I give?

We invite you to use either of the following methods to make your financial pledge. You are requested to complete and return it by February 2, 2020, or ASAP. 


As in the past, we are asking that you consider the many ways God has blessed you, carefully discerning how much you are willing and able to give in response to God’s continued work at First United. On the reverse page of this letter, please review some of the 2019 ministry highlights of First United Presbyterian Church. Because of you and your generosity, these ministries were successful components of the overall mission of our church. With your similar expressions of generosity, 2020 will be equally successful. 

Thank you for your continuing support for the work of our church. Your contributions of time, talent and financial resources will allow First United to not only survive, but also thrive, as reinforced in our 2019 Homecoming Theme: “Growing Stronger, Growing Deeper, Reaching Further”!
  
Yours in Christ,
Stewardship Ministry Team

We give thanks to you for “Helping Others See Jesus’ Grace in Us!”
  Your gifts, regardless of the amount, to Church Operations, the Building Fund, FUPC Scholarships, Special/Sacrificial Offerings, and donations for Special projects, support our work as children of God, and members of the body of Jesus Christ. Your generosity and acts of kindness brought hope to those in need, allowed First United to connect with other partners in ministry, and provided for the day-to-day resources essential to maintain and enhance facility and technology upgrades:
  • Charlotte Habitat Church Partners
  • Health and Fitness Ministry
  • You became engaged through efforts of decorating the sanctuary; assisting with United In Jazz concerts; checking on members by telephone; serving dinner during Faith Alive; and Greeting and welcoming members/visitors to worship; funerals; and special workshops
  • Homecoming Community Service Fair and Community Breakfast                                                    
  • 2 students attended Youth Triennium in Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana
  • Scholarships awarded to 3 students in higher education programs; and 3 high school and 2 CYMC students participated in Civil Rights Tour
  • 4th Saturdays Prayer Walk {April – October}
  • Evangelism Sunday, Prayer Walk
  • 5th Fridays Loaves and Fishes
  • New addition to our part-time staff, Jose Lopez, in safety protection and security
  • Annual Family Reunion Weekend
  • Intentional efforts to continue working on Bible Formation experiences?  
  • Received certificate of recognition as a 12-year FOUR for FOUR congregation from PC(USA) Mission
  • Room in the Inn
  • Acceptance of the invitation to become a Matthew 25 church in the area of Congregational Vitality
  • Shower Ministry