Dear U Park Family,
Since November, I’ve been providing updates on the pledge campaign for our operating budget in 2025. I’ll provide one last update this coming Sunday, but in case you aren’t in worship I wanted to make sure that you got the good news. Our original goal was $375,000 in pledges. (I thought it was $370,000, but the finance committee tells me that I’m recalling it wrong.) In any case, I’m delighted to share the news that we exceeded that goal. As of last night, our pledged total for this year was more than $396,000.
I can’t thank you enough for your generosity and your commitment to our shared ministry. We all know that ministry isn’t properly measurable in money. But we also know that it takes money to offer ministry to our community. Our beautiful historic building is a ministry in its own right, offering space to worship God, to learn and practice our faith, and for our neighborhood to gather. We offer children a place to belong, with loving, attentive adults to teach and nurture them. Our youth learn the implications of Christian faith for their lives through regular Sunday meetings, outings together, and service trips. We stage service opportunities here, traveling to serve others and contributing vitally needed food, clothing, and supplies to organizations like Metro Caring, the LOVVE Project, and GraceFull Café. All of this is possible because you support our ministry in so many ways, and because you give generously from your financial resources. So as I say each Sunday, thank you for your generosity and for all you do to make us a better church.
The Super Bowl is coming up February 9. So over the next two weeks, our United Women in Faith group is sponsoring a “Souper Bowl” drive, collecting cans of soup for donation to food pantries. If you’d like to contribute, bring canned soups to the church on Sunday or during our weekly business hours (9 – 4 Monday through Friday). We’ll take all the Soup to Metro Caring, a local organization working to combat food insecurity.
Also on February 9, our Children’s and Youth Ministry Director Bethany Hader Crabbs will be leading Family Sunday School at 10:00 in East Fellowship Hall. Family Sunday School reflects our value of being an intergenerational congregation, gathering all ages for learning and games. One of the best things about my childhood church experience was that a group of adults in that congregation knew me, took an interest in me, and showed me that I belonged. Family Sunday School helps the children of our church know that for themselves.
February 9 will also feature our latest “visitation blast.” Some church members have trouble leaving their homes, and the Visitation Blast is a great way to let them know that we’re thinking of them. Bethany will provide cards and treats, and we’re invited to pick them up at church and deliver them to our homebound members.
Enjoy your week, and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Andy