March 27, 2008
Dear Family and Friends of Jackson United Methodist:
Jackson United Methodist has a long and rich history as a church family. However, we are now in the midst of some very exciting days in the history of a great congregation. Recently, the church had the opportunity to purchase two pieces of property in order to own the rest of our block past our church's parking lot. This means that we will have additional space for meaningful ministry in the present but it also provides the church space should we decide to expand our Fellowship Hall in a few years. This is a significant step for us to take in order to ensure the future health of our congregation. We will be less likely to become land-locked as our city and county grows.
However, these decisions to ensure the church's future also mean added responsibility in the present. Our church will now have approximately 1.2 million dollars of debt. Therefore, you wisely decided to have a capital campaign in order to wipe out the debt in only three years. This will ensure that the church is able to operate the ministry that Christ has called us to do without financial encumbrance. This new capital campaign is called "Paving the Way" because through this above and beyond giving we hope to pave the way for the next generation to carry on the ministry of Jesus Christ unfettered.
In order to learn more about this campaign, we have set up a series of meetings where you can hear about the campaign, ask questions, pray together, understand better the spiritual implications of this type of commitment, and watch a DVD prepared by some of our church members. These meetings are called Spiritual Awareness Gatherings. They will take place in various homes of church members and will be spaced in order for you to find a convenient time and location for your family's needs. Childcare will be provided for these meetings as well. You will hear more about these Spiritual Awareness Gatherings this Sunday at church, and you will also have opportunity to sign up for a gathering that is convenient for you and your family.
We need the full involvement of our church family for this campaign to be a success. Please sign up for a Spiritual Awareness Gathering so that we can come together as a congregation in order to accomplish our mission. This is meant to be a church-wide experience that we hope you will find meaningful. Join in the excitement! Pray for our church and enter into this time of growth with an open heart and an open mind.
In Christ's service,
Lisa Derrick
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