A WORD FROM THE SENIOR PASTOR

I can think of no better time to conduct our annual stewardship campaign than during the weeks immediately following our focus on The Last Week and the celebration of the Resurrection. And I can think of no better theme than the one chosen for this year - “I Have Called You Friends.” I am reminded of the words Jesus spoke to His disciples as they sat down in the upper room at the last Passover meal. 

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants … Instead, I have called you friends. -  --John 15 v 12-15

By calling us his friends, Jesus expects us to follow his command to love each other, which Jesus demonstrated by laying down his life for ours. Similarly, our relationship as friends with each other is demonstrated by our willingness to set aside our own lives for the sake of others. That is the basis of Christ’s universal church and is the heart of our ministry at UMCWFB. The campaign theme “I Have Called You Friends” says to each of us that we are to set aside the desires of our own life and take up the concerns of our friends. Please prayerfully consider your commitment to your friends as you pledge to volunteer liberally and give generously on Commitment Weekend, April 19-20.

Pastor Susan
 

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A WORD FROM THE CAMPAIGN CHAIRPERSON

Friends, it is that time of year when the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay must reach out to its membership and appeal for renewed commitment to give financially and to volunteer time and talents to support the church’s budget, ministries, missions, programs and facilities.

Our church depends entirely upon the voluntary contributions of its members for its financial revenue as well as the important gift of time needed to make ministry happen. In order for the committees, pastors, staff, lay leaders and program directors in our church family to effectively prepare for the 2008-09 program year, it is essential that we provide them with a financial budget and volunteer support commitment.

There is no doubt that the United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay makes a difference every day in the lives of people in this community and around the world. As one of the largest United Methodist churches in Wisconsin, we have touched the lives of over 2,000 children, youth and adults who are members and friends of this congregation. This past year we have given over $200,000 to missions beyond our doors and volunteered over 100,000 hours of service to the glory of God. But God is calling us to do even more. To give up even more of our self interest for the sake of others. To put aside the jealous protection of money and time and freely give both out of love for our friends as Christ gave Himself for us.

This year the financial pledge card will be combined with the time and talent volunteer card into a single Commitment Card. On that card you will find an extensive array of options for you to use your unique talents in service to others. There is also as a place for you to tell us how you will support the church financially. Yours should be arriving in the mail in early April. When you receive it please seek God’s guidance in completing this card and bring it to worship the weekend of April 19-20 when we will, as a congregation, re-commit ourselves in serving and giving as the friends which Jesus has called us to be.

Pat Peery
Stewardship Chairperson

 

 

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