Planning for 2027

Greetings in the Name of Jesus,

Sunday is Dedication Sunday. It is the day we present our giving plans before the Lord. We ask for God’s blessing wherever we are in our generosity journey. This year, we are asking each family to consider, as God leads, to increase their giving at least 5% to support our 2027 budget. Every situation is different. Some will be able to do more and some less. 

I simply ask each family to pray this prayer… “Lord, what do you want to do through me?” God will honor this prayer. 

If you cannot be here Sunday, you can submit your giving plan for 2027 online. I know it says pledge, but at Stonebridge UMC, we consider these as estimates that allow our Finance Team and Leadership Board to make plans for 2027. You should have received an email earlier this week with information about the 2027 budget. If you did not receive this, you can find it on our webpage. You can also let me know, and I will make sure you receive a copy. 

This Sunday, I will be sharing my journey of giving and generosity. This sermon comes from the heart. It is not meant to manipulate, condemn, or guilt anyone. It is my story of how God has blessed my life through my growth in generosity. I pray that you will receive it in the spirit in which it is intended. 

Great ministry is happening every day. The Spirit is moving, making our ministry alive and exciting. One of our significant ministries is to Malvern Elementary. I received this quote from one of the teachers at Malvern.

"I have had the pleasure of sharing my class with my Classroom Partner for four years. Each week my students can't wait for her to arrive. Our students have so many needs, and she is able to give them extra, individual attention. She works with them one on one, in small groups, and supports them as they work independently. They all want to work with her! We have all benefitted from having her help us in the classroom. I can't imagine not having her support and friendship."

I close with a few quotes from leadership and staff.

One of our staff shared: "I love serving at Stonebridge because of our amazing members, who often feel more like family than “church members.” The love and support I feel from both our staff and congregation are truly the wind in my sails, continually propelling me forward with renewed energy, purpose, and joy. I also love that, as a church, we truly strive to embody what it means to “live and love like Jesus.”

A leader shared: "I love the way our pastors and our congregation work together. I was especially impressed with the commitment to the listening tours and to see how many great things have been accomplished as a result."

Another said this: "Stonebridge United Methodist Church has had and continues to have a profound impact on my family. I see great things on the horizon for our church and for Christ's Church. There is a sense of energy that I have not felt for quite some time. The children’s and youth ministry have a great reputation in the community that is growing momentum. And the selfless volunteers that step up give me hope."

The continuing theme from what I am hearing from the congregation is that we are family. To the best of our ability, we care for each other in our love for our Lord. It is a gift to be part of Stonebridge UMC. 

See you Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor John Allen