Dear Caldwell,
Last weekend, the congregation began its season of discernment about all that we have to give in response to God’s grace. Our discipleship encompasses our time, talent and treasure. Your financial support will fund the budget of this active church in 2012 and your time and talent will bring its ministries to life. This year we believe that everyone has valuable gifts to offer as a promise to our Lord in response to our Lord’s promise to us in Christ.
By now, you should have received a packet of information about opportunities in 60 different ministries at Caldwell as well as pledge forms for time/talent and your financial resources. Please prayerfully consider your blessings and ability to support the church and return the pledge forms in a timely manner. We believe that we can achieve our goal of 100% participation because everyone has something to give, no mater the amount. We have intentnionally planned a brief, focused campaign – we will dedicate our pledges to God on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Our guiding text for this season of discernment is Romans 15:13:
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
As I said Sunday, this congregation does indeed “abound in hope” and, in so many ways, you give hope to others. My sermon exploring this text and our church’s story is attached here: http://caldwellpresby.org/docs/100211_Abounding_in_Hope.pdf
On the front lawn of the church, your Discipleship Committee has placed a sign that will mark our progress toward our goal of 100% participation in both time/talent and in financial pledging. I join you in looking forward to watching our “discipleship temperature” rise toward the heavens as pledges are returned to the church office.
Yours in Christ,
John