2026 Annual Campaign

WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE.

This year’s stewardship theme, “Something to Share,” reminds us that God has entrusted each of us with gifts that are meant for the flourishing of the whole community. Whether your gift is a first step, a deepened commitment, or a continuation of faithful generosity, together we are building a church that embodies welcome, justice, and joy. Thank you for sharing what you can, so that the story of First Church continues to be written in love—for us, for our city, and for the world.

Let us be generous in sharing our story!

  • Last month, Mark and Linda walked into worship for the first time. They learned about First Church through a postcard and sticker displayed on the family fridge of their daughter and her wife. The sticker said, “God is proud of you.” These were handed out in the jubilant chaos of the Pride Parade, where dozens of joyful United Methodist greeted the city of Portland gathered along the parade route. Through our inclusive banner, enthusiastic waving, postcards, and stickers, we assured parade goers that God is proud of LGBTQ+ beloved, and we told them that First Church is a community who knows this well.

  • When Oregon Public Broadcasting wants to hear from a Christian church in our city who are making strides toward the care of our neighbors, whether queer, houseless, or hungry, they reach out to us. Ours is a counter-testimony to many of the expressions of Christianity that focus only on ‘saving souls’ and not the world that God has entrusted to us. Ours is a witness to the healing power of Christ that compels us to feed the hungry, accompany the lonely, and love those cast aside. Ours is a story worth sharing.

  • When we train up the leaders of our church, we consider youth not only the leaders of tomorrow but also the leaders of today. Whether leading worship, serving in our primary governing body or other program committees, teaching the congregation about justice in action, or instructing our children, our youth are essential leaders in our community. At this year’s Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference, we were thrilled to have a kind and wise youth as one of our voting Lay Members (a position usually filled by an adult). Speaking confidently into the microphone, she proudly told the gathered body, “I’m here because my church saw the value in having more young people’s voices heard.” Ours is a future being written in love.

What is stewardship?

Why does giving matter?

Stewardship is our grateful response to God’s generosity. In creation, God made everything. Our responsibility is to carry on the Love that inspired this original gift by using our gifts toward God’s vision for a beloved community that knows justice and peace. All our gifts - time, talent, treasure – work together to reach our vision to be an inclusive Christian community that loves everyone unconditionally and connects with our neighbors to build a more just world.

Giving is a deeply scriptural and spiritual practice. It is a practice open to all, no matter your financial status. Scripture reminds us to give freely, to do good by sharing with others, and that even the smallest gifts matter.

Ways to Give to First Church

  • Personal checks, credit/debit card transactions, bill pay through your bank, outright cash

    This is the simplest gift to make. For online giving through the church, visit fumcpdx.org/give to make an ACH or debit/credit card donation. You can use this platform to establish a recurring gift.

    Note: if you choose to give via credit card, consider covering the 2.5% fee that is assessed.

  • Programs offered through participating companies

    Matching gift programs match all or a percentage of employee contributions to charitable organizations (like us)! If your employer has a matching gift program, inquire with your personnel office to set up a matching gift to First Church.

  • Qualified Charitable Distribution for those over 70 ½

    A distribution from your IRA could help you make an extra mile gift, supporting First Church while minimizing your tax burden.

  • Stocks, bonds, or other securities

    Donate stock for a straightforward way to support First Church, potentially enjoying tax deductions while simplifying your giving. Contact our Director of Operations for assistance on stock transfers.

  • Giving through a bequest in a will or estate plan

    Become a legacy sharer of the First Church story by leaving a gift in your will or estate plan. Making a planned gift may allow you to give more than you ever thought possible!

Your gifts go directly to the sharing of our story: through worship, education, advocacy, service, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Both are commitments you make to this community for what you plan to share in the coming year. They are acts of hope and love for this community, and a vote of support for the ministry that you share with your fellow members and our neighbors.

  • Meaningful generosity is an important part of discipleship. Deciding what is a meaningful amount can be hard. Rev. Karyn or an experienced giver can talk with you about their experiences to help inform your decision- just ask.

  • Yes. A Giving Estimate is a commitment between your household and the household of God, made with mutual love and respect. If your circumstances change, you may change your commitment- simply contact our church office. If there are ways the church community can support you through the circumstances you encounter, please contact our clergy or care team.

  • Stocks, bonds, or other securities

    Thankfully, we do! Each year our endowment can cover some of our facilities expenses, parts of our music and discipleship programs, and community benevolence. An endowment ensures intergenerational equity; we work hard to maintain the fund so many generations can continue to benefit from the generosity of today and decades past. Each year we raise $1.3m in funds in addition to the support our endowment can provide.

  • Giving online is easy and secure!

    2026 Annual Campaign Giving Link

    The link above will take you directly to our online payment portal where you can set up one-time or recurring gifts toward your 2026 giving estimate.

    Simply enter the amount you want to give and the frequency at which you’d like to give it, and then enter your name and email address.

    You will then be prompted to enter your payment information. Gifts made by credit or debit card can be made without logging in. To use a previously saved payment method or give via direct deposit from your bank account, you will be asked to log in to your Church Center account.

    Once you’ve completed these steps and chosen whether or not to help offset the processing fees, simply click the Start Giving button and you’re all set!