Generosity at
First Church
The Gift of Giving
-2027 Stewardship Camapign-
or 378 years, God has called us to build a community that reflects the values of his kingdom: love, generosity, and hope.
Every year, we recommit ourselves to this mission. In worship, we are reminded that this mission will require our full selves: heart, mind, and strength. In our outreach, we are reminded that this can be complicated and difficult work. And in our evangelism, we are reminded that this work is not about us—it’s about loving our neighbor.
Worship, outreach, and evangelism all rest upon the belief that it is better to give than to receive. In these ways, we experience The Gift of Giving. Generosity in the kingdom of God is simultaneously a privilege and a duty. It is something expected of us and something that blesses us, as we bless others.
As you prayerfully consider your financial commitment to the church for the coming year, I invite you to recall a moment when God’s generosity touched you through the hands of a neighbor. Consider the gifts God has entrusted to you and the joy that comes from sharing them.
For nearly four centuries, this congregation has been sustained by the generosity of those who came before us. Now we have the privilege of sharing that same gift with one another, our neighbors, and the generations yet to come.
F
Pastor Jon
Submit Your 2027 Pledge
The Gift of Giving
Each year, our stewardship campaign focuses on 3 different ministries and asks: where is God leading us in the future? This year, we will focus on Worship, Outreach, and Evangelism.
Learn more about the 2027 Stewardship Campaign
Worship
the gift of beauty, encounter, and comfort.
Chancel Choir
Bell Choir
Children’s Choir
Guest Preachers
Instrumentalists
Sunday School
Evangelism
the gift of fellowship, belonging, and growth.
Sunday Fellowship Hour
Monthly Events
Christian Education Classes
Newsletters
The Life of the Church
Welcome Bags
Outreach
the gift of tangible hope, care, and healing.
Maureen’s Haven
Senderos
Laundry Love
Hamptons Pride
East Hampton Food Pantry
Thanksgiving Community Lunch
A Church for the Community
A snapshot of the members, friends, and partners who support our shared mission
Median Gift
$2,450
Half of households give
$1,500 or more.
Average Gift
$3,238
Average annual giving per household.
Sustaining Gift
$6,590
Annual operating cost per household equivalent
These figures reflect 2026 annual giving by household and are shared for context, not as suggest pledge amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is pledging?
Pledging is the act of declaring a specific financial commitment to First Church over a specific period of time (for the annual pledge campaign, one year’s time). It is a spiritual discipline, rooted in scripture, of prayerfully considering what portion of the resources with which each of us has been so blessed we will share back with the church over the course of that period.
What is the pledge campaign at First Church?
The pledge campaign at First Church takes place each fall and is the annual church-wide initiative of considering and declaring our individual financial commitments to First Church for the coming year. On the basis of these commitments, our church leadership is able to plan its budget for that coming year.
What do pledged dollars pay for?
Your pledge dollars, broadly speaking, pay for all the things that collectively comprise our “life” as a church each year: the costs associated with our calendar of worship, educational offerings for children and adults, social gatherings for our parish community, and our ministry to those beyond our church walls. From heat and electricity to the glorious music of our choir each week to the buildings and grounds that make First Church a safe and welcoming space, your pledge dollars make the life we share together possible.
Why does pledging matter?
The importance of pledging is twofold: First, pledging is a spiritual discipline of prayerful generosity that our faith tradition calls on us to engage in; it is a practice that is a fundamental aspect of our shared life as a church. Second, pledging is important because it is the means by which our church leadership knows what financial resources it has to plan for the coming year programmatically and operationally.
How much should I give to the pledge campaign?
The spiritual practice of giving to the church is grounded in the tithe, emphasizing concepts of proportional giving and giving back to God and the church as a priority. 10% is the standard, but some begin with 5%, or even 1%, if 10% feels out of reach to start.
We encourage you to pledge an amount that is significant in your charitable budget and prioritizes First Church. A pledge should be in an amount that is personally meaningful to you.
Can I give without pledging?
Yes. We are always grateful for the generosity and support of all members and visitors in whatever way it is given. We encourage and place particular emphasis on pledged giving because of its rooting in our spiritual tradition and well as the important fiscal planning that it facilitates.
What are First Church’s other sources of income?
We receive income supporting our general operating budget from a variety of sources, including event space rentals, lease agreements, and some additional / limited funding released annually from our endowment. That said, the single largest source of income to our operating budget comes from individual pledges and giving.
Does First Church receive money from the Presbytery of Long Island?
No. On the contrary, First Church pays a per capita to the Presbytery of Long Island each year out of its overall income. This practice is required for all churches in the Presbytery of Long Island.