This is What We Do
/Greetings in the Name of Christ,
This Sunday we celebrate All Saints Sunday, our annual remembrance of those who have gone before us in faith. This service is especially meaningful to me as I remember and light candles for those who have helped shape my faith in Christ.
Just a few days ago, I marked the anniversary of my mother’s passing. On All Saints Sunday, as I remember her and light a candle in her honor, I also remember so many others who have gone before me. Whether your loss is recent or long ago, I invite you to join us in worship as we find comfort in our Lord’s promise of eternal life and the grand reunion with those we love.
Next week, we begin our annual stewardship emphasis for 2027. Please look for an email with information about next year’s proposed budget and an opportunity to share your giving plan for 2027. These estimates help our church leadership plan faithfully for the year ahead. Thank you for prayerfully considering how you can support the ministries we share.
Over the next few weeks, we will share reflections from our congregation and staff about the ministries of our church. The following two quotes from members of our Leadership Board express gratitude for the ways our church serves our neighbors.
“We give to Stonebridge United Methodist Church because we were drawn to the way it serves our community through ministries, and we see the difference it makes right here where we live.”
“I am always impressed how the congregation reaches out to be a positive force in the local community.”
In worship, I will be preaching a series called This Is What We Do. Together, we seek to be the hands and feet of Christ, supporting Stonebridge UMC through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. This is what we do: we love our neighbors, we serve together, and we make a difference in Christ’s name.
More than a call to give to the church, this series is an invitation to reflect on who we are as followers of Christ and how we live out our faith together.
Sunday Worship
November 8: The Four P’s of Giving – We will explore Malachi 3 and the promise God makes when we put God first in all things.
November 15: Five Reasons Why I Tithe – This Sunday, we will consecrate our giving plans for 2027. I will share my personal journey of giving to God’s work through the church.
November 22: God’s Multiplier – We will reflect on Paul’s testimony and the ways he recognizes God’s hand at work in our lives.
As I close this email, thank you for your generosity and care you have shown through our Harvest Box campaign. This week, we delivered 67 Harvest Boxes to Meals on Wheels. These boxes will reach 67 households facing financial hardship, primarily older adults, in the name of Christ. What a beautiful way to remind our neighbors, “God loves you.” Thank you for helping share that love in such a practical and heartfelt way.
As always, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Blessings,
Pastor John Allen