"[You are to] do good, to be
rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for
themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may
take hold of the life that really is life" (1 Timothy 6:18-19)
The
following is a copy of a letter from myself and our Finance Chairperson Alan
Wrenn that our whole congregation should
have received by mail this past week. I
share it again in the interest of encouraging your participation...
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Dear Members & Friends of East Cobb UMC:
These are challenging yet exciting times both in our
world and in the lives of people all around us.
The world seems to be changing faster than we can catch up. Yet, in the midst of all the change, God’s
Word and faithfulness remain steadfast.
As a result, ministry in His name is always fruitful. Consider, for example, some of the ways that
your investment in God’s work through our church has enabled us to achieve
God’s mission for us in 2014. Your gifts
have enabled us to…
•
Reach nearly 350 people each week through our
three principle worship services, Wednesday Night Supper, and other opportunities
for fellowship and networking …GATHERING to embrace God and others
•
Impact over 450 people weekly through 45+
small groups and community ministry resources, including continued significant growth
of our Lighthouse Academy Daycare Center… GROWING
in faith, hope and love
•
Welcome 40 new members and over 150 regular
guests, and be in ministry to over 550 people weekly through various local church
mission ministries, and to even more through special opportunities like Mountain
T.O.P., annual Great Day of Service, Family Promise, M.U.S.T., and others …GOING
into our world to serve and share Jesus
Consequently, the Christmas season is an ideal time for
us to pray about ways we can share in year-end giving that will continue to make
a real difference in people’s lives:
(1) First, we celebrate your faithfulness this year to
our 2014 General Ministry Fund -- thank you!!! If you are behind on your annual financial
commitment, please remember that the holidays are a great time to “catch
up”! And even if you are up to date,
it’s also a great time to make additional gifts in order to take advantage of
current tax laws.
(2) As one idea, we’re excited to continue the ECUMC Christmas
tradition of designating offerings collected at our Christmas Eve services as a
Christmas
Mission Offering. This year the focus of that offering will be Imagine No Malaria, a ministry of our
own United Methodist Church that seeks to eradicate malaria in Africa – this
ministry is described in the brochure you can download below, or you can also find out more HERE. We ask that, in the spirit of Christmas, you prayerfully
consider joining us in giving “over and above” your general fund tithe or gifts
to this special offering during one of our three Christmas Eve services (or
before if you won't be in town). Please
mark your checks/envelopes “Christmas
Mission Offering”, or donate online HERE.
Thank you for your faithfulness in praying for,
attending, serving in, and giving financially to His Church this year. We trust that God will honor your
faithfulness as you continue to grow in His kingdom. We wish you, your family, and all your loved
ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2015!
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