Why a Special Offering?
As part of God’s plan to grow the faith of the people in His church, He calls us to sacrificial giving from time to time. This Special Offering is an opportunity for us to grow in our faith and to prepare us for what God wants to do through our church in 2012. This offering is not because we are behind on budget, but rather is to position us to make a greater impact in our city, in our church, and around the world in 2012.
What’s the Difference Between the Regular Offering and this Special Offering?
The regular Adventure offering is the proportional amount (the full tithe of 10%) that we set apart on a systematic basis and give throughout the year. From time to time, there are opportunities to give in a sacrificial way. This Special Offering is one of those sacrificial occasions that stretch us to grow in our faith. The special offering should be over and above what you regularly give.
How Much Should I Give?
Since the goal is $7,500, this Special Offering will involve everyone. Please prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift that will stretch your faith. The precise amount you give is between you and God. Many in our church can give a $1,000, $2,500 or even a $10,000 gift. Others will be able to give between $100 and $500. The issue is not equal giving, but equal sacrifice. What amount can you give that will stretch your faith?
Why is the Goal So Large?
NOW IS THE TIME is our largest Special Offering to date, and the goal of $7,500 is our largest goal ever. Since starting Adventure, we have been a church that has dared to dream big dreams for God. The ministries supported by this offering are BIG – supporting the spiritual and physical needs of the less fortunate in our city through community ministry, support Global and U.S. Missions, funding the 2012 Benevolence and Counseling Ministry, enhancing the Kids of Adventure (KOA) and Metamorphosis Student experiences, and expand our physical and virtual campus. The accomplishment of these big dreams will be determined by your gifts to this Special Offering.
When Should I Give?
The best time to give will be the first Sunday after you receive this packet. Please pray about making your best gift on that day. However, you can continue to give until January 31, 2012. Please use the “Other” area on the regular offering envelopes or include a note designating that your gift is for the Special Offering. Remember, consistent gifts over time add up – a person giving $50 per week over a nine-week period will give $450 to this Special Offering.
Can I Give Online Via Bank Check or Through Auto-Debit?
Yes. When you give at adventurecc.org via online giving, simply select “NOW IS THE TIME” special offering under the “Fund” drop-down menu.
Likewise, you can use your bank online payment option to send a check directly to the church office. Again, simply mark in the memo area that your gift is for the “NOW IS THE TIME” special offering.
If you would like to make a special, one-time auto-debit over and above your regular giving, simply call 480.940.3540 and speak with Heather – it’s simple and easy.
Can I Give In-Kind Gifts of Stocks or Bonds?
Of course! Since Adventure is a non-profit organization, there can be tremendous tax benefits for you by giving in-kind gifts. For information on this type of giving, simply contact Michael Clark, at mclark@adventurecc.org or 480.940.3540.
Are My Gifts Tax-Deductible?
All gifts to Adventure Community Church, whether via the regular offering or this Special Offering, are completely tax- deductible. Your gift will be deductible in the tax year given (i.e., gifts given in 2011 will be deductible on your 2011 taxes). Please be sure to include your name and address when you give so that a receipt can be sent to you for your tax preparations. You are not required to utilize a tax-deduction for your gift, but it is available for all gifts.
How Did We Arrive at a $7,500 Goal?
The $7,500 goal was prayerfully set by the Adventure pastors. It is approximately three times our regular weekly giving. It is a God-sized goal that can only be accomplished through 100% participation and sacrificial giving by our Adventure attenders, members, and friends. Since we are expecting God to bless this Special Offering, it has been determined that any amount over and above our goal will be divided equally between Missions and Ministry Advancement.
How Will I Know if We Reach Our Goal?
Please pray for God’s guidance as we all give sacrificially. You will be updated on our giving progress through email, in your weekly program, and during the Sunday services. Reaching this goal will be a celebration of what we can do together as we stretch our faith under God’s leadership.
Have additional questions? Please contact Pastor Michael Clark at mclark@adventurecc.org, or call 480.940.3540.