I invited Bart Reed to write the memo this week. He has an important message for our church in these exciting times.
For many people, back-to-school time seems like the start of a new year. And while the church year is technically ending soon, Celebration Sunday had the feel of a kickoff. The energy of the day reflected the vitality of our congregation and the presence of the Holy Spirit among us. Also among us were a number of visiting families!
Last Wednesday night featured the return of "The Huddle" and the kickoff for our youth programs. The strong turnout for Connect Club and BLT was matched by nearly a dozen high school youth attending Higher Grounds, an encouraging sign of the revitalization of that program. And last Sunday, we had the chance to witness and support the baptism of Hannah, daughter of a visiting family who felt comfortable coming to Eden Prairie United Methodist Church for that sacred event.
God is at work among us, fueling our church's growing vitality. We need to respond with our presence, our engagement and our service. And because increased financial needs can be one "challenge of vitality," we need to remain consistent in supporting the church with our financial gifts.
Please take a moment to consider the pledges and capital commitments you made to the church for 2017. We've fallen a bit behind on pledge fulfillment during the summer months, and we still have 2017 capital commitments outstanding. With the needed but unbudgeted addition of Jody Veatch as our Assistant Director of Children's Ministries and the bridge loan we took on to pay for our 2016 capital projects, it's important to have everyone stay current in their financial support of the church.
If you have any questions about your pledges, capital commitments or year-to-date contributions, please contact Dave Zuelke by email (davezuelke@msn.com) or mobile phone (612 810-7471). Thanks for helping make our church "Big Enough to Make a Difference" while remaining "Small Enough to Care."
Keept the Faith,
Pastor Dan