Dear Church Family,
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been asking people from our church about the IMPACT that Bellaire UMC has had on their lives or on their families. Everyone has a different answer, of course, but there are some common themes to the way that God has changed lives through this church. Here’s how the people of Bellaire UMC have been telling the story of this church’s IMPACT:
- Through Bellaire UMC, we’ve made friends who have modeled the love and grace of Jesus, who have walked with us through incredibly difficult times, who have loved us well and allowed us to love them in return.
- At Bellaire UMC, we have grown in our faith and learned to follow Jesus through serving others and studying scripture, and by worshiping God together.
- The people of Bellaire UMC have invested in our children, creating safe spaces for them to learn about God, build a relationship with Jesus, and begin living Christ-centered lives.
- We have been able to live differently because of Bellaire UMC, taking what we’ve learned and experienced at church out into our workplaces and neighborhoods, families and friendships.
As I look at the world around us, I see a lot of uncertainty. There is political, economic, and social uncertainty. By God’s grace, though, I am certain that Bellaire UMC is — and will continue to be — a place where people build faith-forming relationships that last for years. I am certain that Bellaire UMC is — and will continue to be — a place where people grow in their knowledge and love of God, a place where children and youth learn that they are loved for who they are, and a place where we all learn to live differently because we’re learning to live like Jesus.
I am certain that Bellaire UMC will continue to be all those things and more. But I also know that we can’t take it for granted or grow complacent in it. So I invite you to join me in making sure that God’s love and light continues to overflow from here at the corner of Bellaire and Newcastle. As part of our annual stewardship and giving campaign, I’m asking you to consider how YOU will make an IMPACT here at Bellaire UMC. Think about your commitment to participating in worship and small groups, to serving our neighbors, and to giving financially to fund ministry in 2024. Think about how you will invest your time, talent, and treasure to help Bellaire UMC continue to be a place that has a life-changing IMPACT on individuals, families, and our community.
Please take some time to prayerfully consider how you will give to support our church’s ministry next year. Ask God for wisdom and to help you grow in the grace of giving, so that Bellaire UMC can grow its IMPACT in our community. Then, fill out an Estimate of Giving Card and bring your completed card with you to worship on Sunday, November 12 at 10:30am for a special combined worship service in which we will celebrate the completion of our Rooted discipleship experience and commit ourselves to a faithful and fruitful year ahead!
In Christ,
Pastor Seann