15 April 2007
Dear Church Family,
Fairborn St. Luke UMC has faced challenges in the
past, but perhaps none as critical as what we face today. The incurred
debt, taken on in good faith, combined with decreasing attendance puts
this congregation in a humbling (and frightening) situation – one where
we must rely on God to move our hearts to believe that God can work a
miracle through us.
At the same time, God is calling us to reach out in
ministry to children and youth. With the hiring of a new Director of
Children/Youth, we have begun to move forward. And we’re already seeing
God’s hand in increased attendance and more focus on our children and
youth. This ministry focus must continue to be nourished financially in
order to grow as God intends. We will also continue to obey the command of
Jesus to "love one another" as we work to strengthen CoverMe.
You have heard us mention our Mortgage to
Ministry – Finding God’s Way campaign over the past couple of
weeks. Attached to this letter you will find the first of several
installments of information about this campaign. Please take time to study
the Fact Sheet and Tri-fold Brochure. As you do, pray for God to give you
clarity about His will for you and your family and how you can take
advantage of this opportunity to invest yourself in something eternal here
at Fairborn St. Luke UMC. It is a simple prayer: "God, what is Your
will for me as it relates to Your will for our church?" Then, by
faith, follow His leadership.
God is concerned about more than our stewardship of
resources. This is not just a campaign to reduce debt and fund
children/youth ministry. It is also a campaign to increase each individual’s
capacity to personally experience the Presence and Power of God and to
mature as a believer.
Place Sunday, May 20, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. on your
personal calendar. At this All Church Event we will come together to
determine the future ministry of our church. It will be an event that each
of us will be glad to have been a part.
We have a wonderful opportunity to accomplish
something special by funding our Children/Youth ministry and reducing our
mortgage interest payments as well as our debt. What we do together in the
months ahead could shape what our church can do for years to come. This
could be the most important thing we do together for the future of
Fairborn St. Luke United Methodist Church. Together we believe we can do
it.
Love and Hugs and Prayerfully yours,
Merle Walter, Jr.,
Pastor
David E. Lloyd, Program Leader
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