Stewardship The leadership and staff at Westwood strive to be the best stewards of the resources God has blessed the church with. Managing the financial resources of the church is done with the utmost integrity following generally accepted accounting principles. In addition to qualified staff leading church operations, a “finance team” of lay leaders provides accountability and review of Westwood’s financial condition. What the Bible says about giving Giving is a vital part of spiritual formation and maturity. It requires two things of us: •Faith - Giving is an active expression of my faith. It recognizes God as my True Provider. It affirms my confidence in His ability to supply all I need. It is an act of gratitude and dependence and allows me to partner with God and His work through my church and in the world. •Faithfulness - Giving requires the highest standard of personal integrity and discipline. It is not a casual or occasional thing. In 2 Corinthians 8-9, the Bible teaches us to give willingly, generously and cheerfully. Our giving pattern should reflect a regular and systematic plan. In Malachi 3:10, we learn God's standard of the tithe—the first tenth being set apart in all of my earnings as a gift to God. Through our tithes and offerings, we prove faithful in the stewardship of all God has provided for us. Giving Options Westwood is pleased to offer several convenient giving methods. Consider taking advantage of one of these easy giving options as you tithe and contribute to the ministries of Westwood.   1. Online Giving This safe and flexible option is the easiest way to give at Westwood! This method allows you to schedule a recurring or one-time gift charged directly to your checking account. Here you can easily manage your giving amount and specify where the funds should be applied. Give Online    2. Sunday Worship For your convenience, offering envelopes are available for tithes and offerings in the Sunday Worship Service or at the information desk. In addition, members receive pre-printed offering envelopes at home via mail on a bi-monthly basis. Using these pre-printed envelopes (rather than generic ones) greatly helps Westwood's administrative team track contributions for end-of-year giving statements. Please order pre-printed envelopes (whether you’re a church member or not) by calling the Westwood Administrative Office at 205.664.0122. Simply place cash or checks (payable to Westwood) in one of these envelopes and put it in the offering during the Sunday Service. You can also use the drop boxes as you enter/exit the auditorium during any visit to the main campus, or mail it to Westwood Baptist Church, 209 Cloverdale Circle, Alabaster, AL 35007.   3. Creative Giving Ideas If a cash gift is not an option for you, consider some of these creative giving ideas:      •Stocks      •Bonds      •Gold/Silver      •Real estate      •Jewelry      •Naming Westwood as a beneficiary from your IRA/401K, estate or life insurance policy If you have any questions concerning ways to give, please call the Westwood Administrative Office at 205.664.0122 or contact us online. 4. Strategic Giving Opportunities Often during the year, special opportunities arise that are not included in our annual budget. If you are interested in giving towards meeting one of our current strategic opportunities, please contact one of our staff for a current listing of our needs. Please indicate the strategic project where those funds are to be applied on the memo line of your check. Annual Audit Westwood is audited annually by LeCroy, Hunter & Company, P.C., a Northport-based CPA firm. The 2006 audited financial statements are available for review at the church office by Westwood members. To review a copy, contact the Westwood Administrative Office at 205.664.0122.