2021 End of Year Giving Update

Dear Members and Friends,

As we look back over 2021, it is easy to feel the weight of the events taking shape around us. A global pandemic wears on, worldwide supply chain issues impact the economy, and sharp political divisions seemingly affect every aspect of public discourse. All of these things provide a sobering glimpse into the challenges of living in a broken world. On top of this, in January, Redeemer announced that our beloved Senior Pastor, Tom Gibbs, was transitioning to a new call as the President of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

And yet, despite many challenges and a significant transition, these encouraging words from one of our members put this year in a helpful context:

“Redeemer sure feels a lot like Redeemer.”

What a comforting reminder that even amidst the cultural winds blowing against the church and the transition of our Senior Pastor, our church continues. As the Heidelberg Catechism reminds us, God rules “in fruitful and lean years… [so that] we can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, and for the future, we can have good confidence in our faithful God and Father that nothing will separate us from his love.”

However, this confidence does not leave us idle. God is at work in and through the people of our church, her leaders, staff, and congregation. The Session is leading through the most significant transition in the history of Redeemer. The Diaconate is serving an increasing number of mercy needs. Our pastors and staff are taking on new or expanded roles, continuing our priorities of faithful gospel-centered preaching, excellent music, and beautiful worship services. In the spring, the congregation elected a Pulpit Committee to find a new Senior Pastor. In September, we had one of our largest membership classes ever. This fall, we restarted every major ministry program of the church. We have continued financially supporting dozens of local, regional, national, and global ministry and mission partners through it all.

May these blessings remind us that God alone is our help and is renewing all things to Himself in Jesus Christ. There is much to celebrate in the ways God continues to make Redeemer into a strong, grace-filled community and in the mission to which we are committed here in San Antonio. He is at work among us and through you. Without a doubt, your consistent generosity, sacrificial participation, and joyful engagement have been essential to Redeemer’s success.

As we head toward the end of the year, let us praise God for Redeemer’s financial strength. Redeemer has already received $1,990,908 in tithes and offerings, which is right on pace with last year’s giving. This is truly remarkable!

As is expected at this time of year, there remains a significant gap to be addressed if Redeemer is going to meet its annual budget. At this time, the Session anticipates needing slightly more than $700,000, which is similar to last year’s end-of-year contributions.

The likelihood of a surplus of income over expenses in 2021 does not minimize the importance of your contributions. As in past years, significant surpluses create meaningful ministry opportunities, allowing Redeemer to contribute more to existing ministries and city partners and address other operational and strategic priorities.

As the Session, we want to ask you to sacrificially and prayerfully consider what your year-end giving will be, thereby ensuring that Redeemer meets or exceeds all our ministry priorities.

Again, thank you for your faithful participation. Our future has never been more exciting!

For Christ our Redeemer,

The Session of Redeemer Presbyterian Church

• To find our more about Redeemer's 2021 budget and approach to giving, please click here.
• If you would like to make your gift online, click here.
• You can also set up mobile giving using the Redeemer San Antonio app.