Second
Presbyterian
Church

Stewardship and Giving at Second Presbyterian Church

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, St. Paul develops an idea that Dr. Hardwick has called "Centrifugal Giving." As the diagram shows, God gives generously to us, so we give thanks. As we give thanks, we give back to God generously in ways which impact others around us--so that they give thanks. In turn, they give back to God, so that still others can give thanks and then give back. The cycle goes on and on as more and more people come to understand God’s generosity. In their best moments, Christians contribute to God a financial amount which reflects the importance of Christ in their lives, working toward a tithe (10% of income).

At present, those who have made Second Presbyterian Church their church home have two opportunities to give. The first opportunity is to contribute toward the operating budget of the church (which covers all of the programming of the church, its mission giving, personnel, and building and grounds). Each fall, a stewardship campaign invites members to make a pledge of their giving for the following year. These pledges enable the elders to set a faithful budget which is fiscally responsible.

The second opportunity is to contribute to the ongoing capital campaign which is continuing to repay the debt incurred with the construction of the new sanctuary (completed in spring, 2007). The Believe campaign that spring raised approximately four million dollars toward the debt. It is likely that another capital campaign will begin in 2010 to finish paying off this debt.

If 2PC is your church home and you would like to make a financial pledge toward either of these opportunities to give, you can do so by emailing Diane Cushing at or by printing this pledge card for the operating fund or this pledge card for the capital campaign and mailing it to Diane Cushing's attention at the church (313 N. East St., Bloomington, IL 61701).

Thank you for participating in the centrifugal giving that begins with God’s generosity with us!