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Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we enter the month of September, I cannot help but think of the great strides we have made over the summer. I hope you feel a palpable hope when you are in the church facilities and talk with each other. In August, we welcomed three new members to Kinsman Presbyterian Church—a sure sign that God is moving among us and leading people here to develop their spiritual walk with God. The spirit of care and concern that moves among the congregation of this church is precisely the same quality seen in the New Testament church instituted by the original apostles. This church not only exercises kindness towards people but also sees them as children of God—there is no doubt about a person’s worth when they walk through our doors.

In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth, he says, “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat” (2 Corinthians 9:10). Paul reminds the church that what is yielded for sustenance—both physically and spiritually—comes from God’s good seed and cultivation. We play a role in managing how the resources God provides us—whether in time, talent, or treasure—to cultivate a field that is flourishing with grain.

If you have been around the Presbyterian Church for a while, you have likely heard of per capita. For 2026, per capita is set at $35 per person, paid annually by the church, and is broken down as follows:

1.                $11.08 – General Assembly (PCUSA)

2.                $3.40 – Synod of the Covenant

3.                $20.52 – Eastminster Presbytery

As Presbyterian Christians, we believe our ministry is shared—it is the whole body of Christ, working together, part by part, that sustains and cultivates God’s purposes for the world. Per capita literally means “by head” or “per person,” and it’s how we organize our polity to financially support the connectional arms of the church. At the General Assembly level, these dollars support ministries like Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, which recently contributed thousands locally toward storm recovery efforts in Mahoning County, along with mission work across the country. The Synod of the Covenant—as we learned on Synod Sunday—supports presbyteries through our judicial process, grantmaking to congregations, and the development of church leaders. And our own presbytery supports congregations through local committees, resourcing, and the development of both teaching and ruling elders. Put simply, these dollars help us live into the Great Commission—spreading good news to the nations!

If you are able, please consider making an offering of $35 to help cover this work; any amount helps offset the cost assessed to our local church. But please receive this invitation to give with love and enthusiasm, not obligation—if giving would cause you financial hardship, please don’t. There are many ways to build God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven, and per capita is just one of them. God’s grace invites us to give not only of our resources but also of our talents and time as well. All of this is stewardship, and all of it advances the kingdom of God.

We are blessed here at Kinsman with dedicated, faithful, and conscientious stewards. On behalf of the Session, thank you for your continued support of the good work happening here every day. May this September be one more season of the hope and growth we have already seen this year!

With God’s grace, mercy, and love,

David