YOU MAY BE SURPRISED...

One common characteristic of every healthy, vital, growing, faithful Christian community is the living out of sacrifice, author Gary McIntosh writes in his book "Taking Your Church to the Next Level." A Jewish carpenter named Jesus said much the same thing in Matthew 10:39 when he pointed out that to lose our life in this world for God is in fact to find our life.

A few weeks ago I overheard someone say that we don't talk enough about missions and outreach in worship. You know what? That person is exactly right! I believe God is calling us to greater involvement in the community and world. We can't do all things, but we can do more.

I also overheard someone say FUMCB doesn't support community ministries. You know what? That's not true.

You may be surprised to know that with a budget of approximately $1,400,000 in 2013 (with many of those dollars already devoted to serving ministries) our congregation gave over $201,000 away to local agencies, ministries, and also to Christian outreach around the world. $127,908 of that amount was given to the UMC at the District Level, Conference Level and to the world outreach.

Where did the remaining money go? Over $20,840 was given to a variety of major mission offerings ($13,000 went to disaster relief and One Great Hour of Sharing, just over $3,400 went to the Bishop's Offering for Children, and $2,439 went to Africa University).

Over $30,555 went to local agencies/ministries including the following (and this does not reflect all the contributions made by FUMCB members directly to these organizations):

     Habitat - $2,928.48

     Martha's House - $3,597.95

     MCUM - $6,139.45

     Shalom - $12,330.05

     Jill's House - $5,559.13

In addition to this, the FUMCB community gave $2,000 away in scholarship funds, provided $3,639.88 in Parent's Day Out (PDO day care) scholarship assistance, and provided $2,886.32 in direct emergency assistance.

Two other major commitments were the Wednesday Pantry ministry where a total of $20,607.83 has been given and/or spent, and $10,333.97 has been given and/or spent for the Interfaith Winter Shelter ministry.

We can do more, yes, but what we have done has been so good! I thought you might want to know what God's church has been up to in the past year when it comes to giving to causes beyond the four walls of our own church.

This week I walked into my office and found a check to the church for $5,000 in an envelope in my church mail box. There was a note enclosed from a couple who had made a commitment to begin tithing (giving 10% to God's work through the church) in 2013 and 2014. I want you to hear their closing words: "It brings us great joy to be able to give finally to our church the way God intended. We are praising God for this opportunity. We wish you a blessed Christmas season."

Over $200,000 for good work beyond our local church! If you are a part of FUMCB, then you are a part of a congregation that cares about the larger community and world.

In Christ and for Christ,

Mark