Give

5. There are more ways than dropping a check in the offering basket to give, like using your stock portfolio, that may come with hidden savings.

This may seem like a weird way to start this list, but hear us out.  We all know that there are multiple ways to give to the church. If you’ve been attending our service at all of the past 9 months, you’ve probably grown accustomed to Pastor Matt’s spiel of “giving is available online, through the church app, or by mailing a check to the church office”. But those aren’t actually the only options. As the year comes to a close, during a time where we rely on your faithful giving (see Number 2.), we want to make sure you’re aware that there are some great, and maybe more unconventional, ways to support the continued ministries of Noblesville First. One of those ways is through stock donations. 

Did you know that giving directly from your stock portfolio can result in significant savings on your taxes? That means more money available for all of the ways you  choose to be generous. If you have questions on how this or other methods of giving can work, call the church treasurer Don Gustafson and find out how. 

4. The church receives 20-25% of its annual giving in the month of December.

You’re right, the math doesn’t quite work. You might think that December should only represent about 1/12 or about 8% of our yearly giving, but that’s just not the case. Some are trying to catch up on their pledges, others shoring up their non-taxable gifts, but the fact remains that we rely heavily on giving in December to help us continue forward in ministry. Your giving in December helps to fund ministries throughout the year.

3. Teter Organic Farm is expanding its mission.

Katy Rogers, our farm manager, has been a rock star this year. Along with the many, many volunteers that help Teter run smoothly, we were able to continue donating fresh, organic produce to local food banks long after most other donors had stopped producing.  This year has seen grants be approved for an additional hoop house and the start of an orchard, more efforts towards make a wild life preserve, and fundraising towards a walk behind tractor to help further increase production.  As Teter continues to grow, it also continues to make a great impact on food insecurity in Hamilton County than ever before. 

But, you might say, it’s the winter, and farming isn’t even happening, how does giving now help Teter?  Great question! There is so much going on at Teter farm even through the winter, with the purchasing of seeds, prepping the ground, and working in the hoop houses just to name a few. Your continued support of Noblesville First helps us to continue to focus on the growth of Teter farm and move towards our goal of ending food insecurity in Hamilton County. 

2. The Pandemic has provided the opportunity for innovation and Noblesville First has aligned its staff, vision and mission to reach those in the community who need the love of Christ.

This has been a crazy year for everyone, and Noblesville First is no different. We’ve been through openings, closings, outdoor worship, indoor distanced worship, wearing masks, creating online services, and much more. But one thing has remained through all of that:  Our desire to be rooted in love, connecting people, and planting seeds of hope. How we go about that has evolved over the course of this year, and we’ve realized that we need to continue to grow and change as a church to meets the needs of an ever-changing community. 

We’ve brought on staff with specific skills in these areas, including Alivia Dieterlen (formerly Pavich) who brings an incredible talent for all things Audio/Video, and Ally Hall, whose passion for Family Ministry has already become apparent.  We’re excited to continue forward in ministry whatever the world may bring, and we rely on your support to get us there.

1. God has given us the gift of Christ the Savior, giving back is the natural response to those who seek to be faithful to God’s call on our lives.

“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7) is a verse that can get used to try and convince us that we should be happy about giving.  But I think it’s the opposite. It’s the giving that makes us happy.  Christ gave us everything, His very life! And our response to the greatest gift ever given is to be imitators of Christ by also leading lives of giving.  Through our service, our time, our gifts, and our tithes, we show the world the love of Jesus through participating in ministries, and loving our neighbors.

Here at Noblesville First, we work hard to make sure that the ministries that we take part in are about showing our community the love of Jesus, both through excellent worship and through practical things, like food, clothes, and shelter.  Your support of Noblesville First supports ministries that are making a difference here in our community, and we’re both excited and thankful that you’ve decided to partner with us in our mission to be rooted in love, connecting people, and planting seeds of hope.