SPIRITUALITY OVERFLOWING AT UUMC

From Your Pastor – John Ross Thompson

October 24, 2007


In the last two months, we have had two major emphases at UUMC that were focused on our commitment to God and to the church. Both of them were about stewardship, both stewardship of our time and talents and stewardship of our financial resources.

In September, we had a Ministry Fair in Asbury Hall. The room was filled with displays featuring the many ministries of this church. Scores of you took time to discover ways we are reaching out to others through the ministries of UUMC and the Wesley Foundation. A significant number of you volunteered to be part of various groups or to assist with their projects. In the months ahead, we will be much stronger as you become even more involved in our ministry.

This month, climaxing on Consecration Sunday, October 21, we had a financial stewardship emphasis. The results are outstanding! Those of you who made estimates of giving for 2008 on that day produced an expected 19.3% increase over this year! More than half of you plan to increase your 2008 giving above your 2007 giving. Even more outstanding, 30 households that did not make a commitment for 2007 made one for next year.

Those of you who were not here will receive a card in the mail soon. We ask you to complete it and return it to the church as soon as possible. It is the only contact that you will receive. Any of you who increase your giving for next year will push our totals even higher.

We can look forward to next year with renewed enthusiasm (the word means “full of God”) due to these commitments. Your giving of time to Christ’s ministry, and your financial gifts to support ministry, make all that we do possible. They are also tangible evidence of your love for Christ, and your desire to grow spiritually.

You are an important part of our church. We are glad that you attend, serve, and give. Thank you all for making true ministry possible. I’m proud to be serving in your midst.