Generosity 2025

Generosity, returning a portion of our financial blessing to God, is an important part of our spiritual journey as we walk with Christ. At Fort Smith First United Methodist Church, the giving of our tithes and offerings through the Annual Ministry Fund is an integral part of how we worship God, grow in our discipleship, and serve others. 

Your Annual Ministry Fund giving reflects your tithes and offerings to support your church’s ministry and mission. Be a part of the transformational impact that our church is making every day in lives, our River Valley community, and the larger world.

​Your regular tithes and offering to First United Methodist Church supports both ministry operations and programs in our Annual Ministry Fund. The 2024 Annual Budget is $1.9 million. This chart reflects the ministry areas included in the Annual Ministry Fund. Percentages show not only direct program expenses, but also allocation of church staffing, resources and facility use.

An Annual Commitment   

Begin with Prayer 
As you think about your commitment to giving, please begin with prayer. Thank God for blessing you and ask him for guidance and discernment. Recognize that your offerings express both your desire to serve the Lord and your investment in God’s work.

Assess Your 2025 Finances
This is a good time to look at your budget. What does your spending say about your priorities? 

Make a Commitment
Determine the percentage of your income you will commit each year. Pray over your decision, asking God to bless and use your gifts for ministry. For some, the giving of the tithe is a goal to grow toward each year. For others, it is the starting point, and they will give in excess of this. If you are not yet tithing, consider taking a step toward it this year. Determine your giving in proportion to your income, then set a percentage that you can increase each year until you reach the tithing goal. We encourage you to complete an Estimate of Giving card as a sign of your Commitment.

Celebrate the Joy of Generosity
Giving is an opportunity as a congregation to worship God and renew our commitment to being God’s stewards in our world. Each week, during our worship services, we lift up different ministries and we present our tithes and offerings. During the offertory time, thank God for the blessings you have received, and ask God to bless and
use your gifts.

Why do I need to return an estimate of giving card?

There are three reasons it is important that every member of the FUMC family returns an Estimate of Giving card. First, the process of prayerfully asking God to guide your decision and then making a commitment to serve the Lord with your financial gifts is an act of worship, an expression of gratitude and praise to God. Second, on a more practical note, your commitment to the Annual Fund allows our church to plan and prioritize our ministries and key objectives for the coming year. Third, some families wish to use their estimate of giving card to make arrangements for electronic funds transfers.

Can I Change My Commitment?

Don’t let any financial hardship you may be experiencing at this time keep you from participating in worship and serving in the church. Remember that God honors your faithfulness and that your acceptance at FUMC is not based upon your capacity to give. We encourage everyone to return an Estimate of Giving card even if it is a limited financial commitment at this time. You can always increase or decrease your commitment if your situation changes by calling the church. Also, be sure to let our pastoral staff know of your situation so that we can pray for and support you during any difficulty.

What is Electronic Funds Transfer?

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is the easiest, most cost-effective giving option for both you and the church. With EFT automated giving managed through church staff or the REALM database, you can reinforce your commitment to give your tithes and offerings to God first.
One easy step ensures the church will receive your gifts on a regular basis. 

Monthly Bank Drafts managed through the church staff come at no cost to you or the church.  Setting up a recurring gift on a schedule that fits your needs through our REALM database is also possible and can be managed by submitting your bank or credit card information into the REALM portal.  FUMC does incur up to 3% in fees for all credit card transactions, so staff-managed Bank Drafts are a simpler, more cost-effective approach.

COMMITMENT/All SAINTS SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 3

In the Chapel, Connexion, and Sanctuary service.

How to commit:

• Bring card to Worship on November 3 to place in the offering plate.
• ​Drop off card at church office.
• By mail. ​​

Set up a single gift or an automated schedule of giving.

give on Realm

Use the online Estimate of Giving Card.

Online giving card