Stewardship 2023

How do I submit my 2023 Pledge Commitment?

Pledge cards were mailed and are also available through the church office. You may also complete your commitment online at www.deserthills.org or use the provided QR code.

When is my pledge due?

We would like to have pledge cards submitted in time for Commitment Sunday, October 29. This will allow our church’s Finance Committee the time to make any necessary changes to the church budget before our church’s fiscal year begins on January 1, 2024.

How can I contribute my pledge at Desert Hills?

The church offers several ways to contribute:

Giving envelope placed in the offering basket Tithe check mailed to the church office Online and secure one-time or reoccurring gifts from the church website (deserthills.org) Electronic funds transfer/Bill Pay (automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings account) 34605 N Tom Darlington Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85266 (480) 488-3384 / www.deserthills.org / admin@deserthills.org

THE LORD IS OUR TREASURE! Thank you for being a vital part of our family of faith at DHPC. Our desire as we enter our Stewardship drive is that it not be simply a fundraising exercise for next year’s budget. We want it to be a time when we come before the Lord as stewards of his great treasure of blessings given to us in Jesus Christ. To that end, I would like to encourage you as individuals, couples, and an entire household to go through three steps.

STEP ONE: The Lord is truly our treasure! Stewardship is a time for us to set our minds on the Lord’s blessings and take an inventory of these blessings, perhaps even listing them out on paper. As an individual, couple, and household take stock of your great treasure of blessings (Phil. 4:8). Then reflect upon this treasure of blessings until genuine gratitude overflows your hearts into a great prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord.

STEP TWO: The Lord is truly our treasure! Stewardship is a time for us to prayerfully consider how we can let God make us a blessing to him in this world. “And you will be a blessing.” God said to Abraham (Gen. 12). Again, as an individual, couple, and household take time to ask God how He wants you to steward this great treasure so that you will be a blessing and not a curse.

Sometimes all that is needed is for us to celebrate and encourage. Other times it is simply to show up and listen. And other times it is to actively serve and give with a cheerful heart. How are you to be a blessing?

STEP THREE: The Lord is truly our treasure! Stewardship is a time for us to discern how the people of our community and world will be blessed as we walk with the Lord in life. Again, to Abraham God said, “And all the peoples of the earth will be blessed through you” (Gen. 12:3). Prayerfully consider how God can work through you individually, as a couple, and as a household to bring the blessings of the good news in Jesus Christ to all the people of the world. Consider your time and talents, as well as your other treasures.

The Lord is truly our treasure! We are stewards of a great treasure of blessings in the Lord. Our pledge cards are only a small part of how God can and will work through us to cause “more people to be more like Christ.” Yes, we are a great blessing from the Lord as a family of faith, and we will steward our relationship and common ministry in Christ. The staff and elders are here to listen, help, or answer questions as you discern God calling you to be His steward of His blessings.

Peace in Christ, Jim

AN UPDATE FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE The 2024 Operating Budget was prepared using the current pledges from the congregation, past history, and necessary expenditures. While the budget is ambitious, with careful planning we believe we can accomplish it with your help. Two categories comprise 79% of the budget. They are Buildings and Grounds and Staff. They are basically fixed costs and are not flexible.

That leaves only 21% of the Operating Budget that is flexible and can be cut, but that 21% is needed to effectively carry out the programs and ministries of Desert Hills Presbyterian Church. In 2023 the total staff costs were determined by subtracting gifts and donations, such as those made by Neighbors in Need, for staff positions. In 2024, it was decided the more conservative way to determine those costs was to not deduct gifts and donations from staff salaries, but to show the gifts and donations as income receipts. The staff costs shown in the budget are what the church is obligated to fund, even if those gifts and donations cease.

Staff costs for 2024 show two substantial items, the addition of a new assistant pastor as approved by your Session, and an increase in Pastor Brett’s salary since he has become our Associate Pastor. Those costs are part of the budget in their entirety. The new position will free up time for both our current pastors and Kathleen Harris. The assistant pastor will take Outreach to New Members from Pastor Brett, Fellowship from Kathleen, and Family and Student Ministry from Pastor Jim. The new pastor will also share in general pastoral duties and care ministry. This added time allows both pastors and Kathleen to devote time to other areas that deserve more attention.

An engineering study has been completed for our physical plant, and planning has started to rectify some deficiencies in our facilities. Plans for Memorial Garden enhancements are under way thanks to a substantial donation for DHPC landscaping. We are thankful the Lord has blessed us in so many ways.

A PRAYER TO OUR LORD AS OUR TREASURE AS WE PLEDGE TO HIS SERVICE Gracious God, we thank You for Your extraordinary work and mission You have entrusted to Desert Hills Presbyterian Church over more than 55 years.

Bless us again, Lord, with generosity and commitment as, trusting in You, we pledge to give of our time, talents, and treasure to the mission you have called us to as a congregation in 2024. Continue to walk and co-labor with us, grant us a glimpse of Your great vision, and help each of us do our part to ensure that more people are more like Christ. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

2024 BUDGET EXPENSES