We are implementing a new type of campaign approach this fall. It is called a Unified Budget Campaign. A Unified Budget campaign will allow First-Centenary to fully fund the 2025 budget AND address some pressing capital improvement needs. We are looking to increase our annual budget in order that we might continue to serve the people of Chattanooga and reach out around the world by right-sizing some staff salaries, bringing the budget into alignment with present realities, and increasing the annual budget for maintenance and upkeep. On top of fully funding the 2025 operating budget, the second financial goal is to have an additional $1.5 million given during 2025. This expanded giving will be used for building maintenance and the replacement of HVAC units in a systematic approach.

Our plan is, through the Unified Budget approach, we will be able to increase annual giving to the church to strengthen our everyday mission and vision and secure our building for the next generation of ministry.

We will accomplish these goals with ONE commitment card on November 17, 2024. Will you join us this fall as we seek for God BEYOND for First-Centenary!

You're invited to Advance Commitment Night on November 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This special evening is an opportunity for those who feel led to submit their commitment cards early for the campaign. Join us for this time of dedication and reflection as we take a step forward in faith together. Your early commitment helps set the tone for the campaign and inspires others in our church family!

Free childcare is available, please RSVP through the link below.

On Commitment Sunday, November 17th, our First-Centenary family will gather in worship to celebrate God's grace and generosity as we present our Estimate of Giving cards for the Beyond campaign. This is more than a financial commitment—it's an opportunity to reflect on the deeper "why" of giving.

In today’s world, emerging generations of Christians are less concerned with church-centric needs like balancing budgets or keeping the lights on. Instead, we're invited to view commitment cards as a spiritual check-up.

• What if we thought of them as a way to reassess our gratitude to God?
• What if we saw them as a sign of trust and a joyful partnership in advancing God's Kingdom?
• What if we recognized them as a reminder of the life-giving and family-strengthening joy of being in right relationship with God’s abundance?

We encourage conversations around the breakfast table, during nighttime prayers, and across generations, discussing how your family can steward both its values and valuables for future generations.

On Commitment Sunday, let’s celebrate the joy of giving, not because of what the church needs from you, but because of what God desires for you—a deeper, more grateful connection to His blessings.

You’ll receive your Estimate of Giving card in advance, to complete and bring with you on November 17th. Together, let's reflect on our giving journey and the spiritual growth it brings.

Pastor Will discusses more about the BEYOND Unified Budget Campaign. Join us on October 20th, 2024, for the first Sunday of the campaign, which will continue every Sunday leading up to Commitment Sunday on November 17th. Learn how this initiative will help fully fund our 2025 budget, address important capital improvements, and raise $1.5 million for building maintenance and HVAC replacement. Let's come together as a community to support the future of our church.

We had an incredible start to our BEYOND Campaign during our worship services! The key passage, Ephesians 3:20-21 (NASB), reminds us of God's ability to do abundantly more than we could ever ask or imagine: "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

We are called to pursue lifestyle generosity, where our giving impacts how we live. King David’s words inspire us: “I will not give to God that which costs me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). As we continue this journey, may our hearts be set on things above, letting our generosity touch every part of our lives.

We hope you will continue to join us these next few weeks for Sunday worship and bring your BEYOND journal as we dive deeper into this spiritual journey together!

Join us as we explore the powerful commitment in Ruth 1:8, 16-17 (NASB), where Ruth’s faith and dedication serve as a testament to the bonds we build within our church family. Just as Ruth declared, "Where you go, I will go...," we’re invited to take meaningful steps toward commitment, growth, and community impact through our campaign. Why consider a commitment card? - It invites us to move from intention to action, allows for self-reflection, and enhances our generosity. - It’s a symbol—just like a wedding ring—of our dedication to grow in faith and give back. - With 100% participation, we can step forward in unity, enabling leaders to make wise decisions and strengthen our shared mission. Join us in prayer and preparation, and let’s grow together as we move BEYOND.

Pastor Jason shares more details about the BEYOND Unified Budget Campaign as we prepare for an exciting Advanced Commitment Day. Join us on November 7th at 7:00 p.m. for this special event, where you can make an early commitment to support the campaign. Together, we'll work towards fully funding the 2025 budget and addressing critical capital improvements. Come be a part of this important moment for the future of our church.