Do Unto Others – 2025 Stewardship Campaign
SCRIPTURE
In everything do unto others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12
PRAYER
Let us pray together:
Loving God, you have called us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Help us to accomplish this as we strive to work and live together in peace and harmony, no matter our world views. Send the Holy Spirit so that we are respectful, kind, generous, compassionate, and loving to all.
Bless our church and this year’s stewardship campaign. In order to live out your word, we ask for your boldness and generosity as we seek to do unto others in our church and community.
Amen
2025 PLEDGE FORM
October Stewardship Letter from Pastor Sharon
DO UNTO OTHERS
2025 Stewardship Campaign
October 16, 2024
Happy October! And well done, good and faithful servant!
The holidays will soon be upon us – Thanksgiving leaning into Advent, each week moving us onward toward the different kind of Christmas we look forward to at Desert Spring each year, but let’s remember that 2024 has been a fruitful season of change through the difference God is already making.
We did well to honor the ending of the celebrated years of ministry that Rev. David Devereaux shared with us. We are doing well to open our hearts to God’s new story of fruitfulness from the passing of the baton and charitable support of my pastoral leadership. Thank you. God is pleased.
Heading onward to a new year, we look forward to new growth and we will do well as we welcome God’s continued promise to give more seed. You have an important part in this. The first opportunity begins with Do Unto Others, as we launch a campaign for kindness in our community, in partnership with Resurrection – a United Methodist Church, and others throughout the nation. Jesus taught us that we should treat others as we want to be treated. This is commonly known as The Golden Rule and holds the power to bring people together again.
Our hope is that as we engage this four-week series through small groups and worship we will send the message that kindness is the most important behavior we can exhibit as we seek to depolarize our communities, love our neighbors, and grow in gratitude. We will go on a journey together toward practicing the Bible’s great love ethic: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12) and planting seeds for growth right in our own backyards.
In the coming weeks will hear more about Do Unto Others and cultivating kindness as keys to growing our capacity. I invite you to pray for your estimate of giving to financially support the ministry next year. Your financial commitment makes possible every part of our church ministry: children, youth, adults, seniors, every support group, every class and Community Group, every act of care, everything we do in service to the community, every worship service both in person and online. Your gifts make ministry happen.
Above is Matthew 7:12. I invite you to join me in praying this prayer every day through November 17 as together we surround our kindness campaign and growth in stewardship in prayer.
Pastor Sharon
November Stewardship Letter from the Finance Committee
DO UNTO OTHERS
2025 Stewardship Campaign
November 18, 2024
What a year! 2024 has turned out to be every bit of the transformative experience we anticipated – one of growth, transition, and a whole lot of grace! As in past years, there has been laughter, tears, and countless hours of dedicated service. You contributed to it all and we are confident that the same grace that carried us through will continue to sustain us as we move onward.
Of course, let us be mindful of this season of reflection and gratitude for the incredible transformation. We are thankful that our regular givers and many new givers have contributed to our financial goals in a manner that consistently supports the basic needs of the church. We celebrate the ways we are strengthening our financial partnerships like those through our Annual Conference, UMCOR, even vendors outside the United Methodist Connection that work together with us to help us fulfill our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are also grateful for the generosity that consistently exceeds expectations. And although this doesn’t always translate to financial giving, it has been quantified each year through our Different Kind of Christmas giving. One notable goal was the $130K endowed scholarship for Africa University students completed this year, honoring Robert “Bob” Bell and Dr. Marion Bell.
Finally, our pastoral transition has not only brought new leadership but also a renewed sense of purpose and community. Pastor Sharon’s energy and heartfelt sermons have sparked an increase in attendance and meaningful conversations about our future, through listening sessions and community group engagement. Marking her 100th day on October 8, 2024 and officiating her first wedding at Desert Spring on October 12th is still more encouragement that our best days are ahead. These and other stories of hope and kindness are creating the vibrant and welcoming environment we look to continue to cultivate.
Thank you for your faith, love, and commitment. Let’s continue to celebrate our shared journey and the bright future ahead!
Finance Committee
Trifold Brochure
