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July 2009

In this season of economic anxiety, I’d like to say thanks to the members and friends of Memorial UCC who have maintained an amazing spirit of generosity in the midst of some very tough times.

The generosity extends to supporting the operations of the church, but it goes well beyond that to supporting a wide variety of things that are part of our mission to “reach out in ever-widening circles.” It is reflected in monetary terms, but even people who are not in a position to do much financially have been doing amazing things with their time and with their care for one another.

In other words, in so many ways during these months, Memorial has been living into what a community of followers of Jesus strives to be. It’s not that this is something new for folks around here. Memorial has a long history of generosity and caring. But it is particularly notable in a time when fear of scarcity can override living with hope.

During the early part of the year, we had two events to raise money for Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, and you gave $875 to help out along the Gulf Coast. Then in June, five adults and five confirmation students went to Back Bay for a week of volunteer labor – supported in part by the generosity of members of the congregation. You gave $2,000 in honor of Pastor Bonnie to support the work of Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem. People have made quiet contributions to help out families in need.

You are helping us fulfill the first year of our five-year, $10,000 commitment to help the Road Home provide affordable housing and support services to move people from homelessness to stability. Our Endowment Fund (another example of members’ generosity) is contributing $1,000 each year, but we look to you to help raise the rest. In just a few weeks this spring, you gave $930.

Cheryl Porior-Mayhew started a group called Job Seekers Together to provide networking and information opportunities.  Many of you have rallied around individuals facing economic or health or family challenges.

For our annual garage sale, many of you donated a wide variety of items, Mary Young and crew organized the day, and when all was done, a record $1,633 was raised to support our church’s budget.

And then there is the way people have been supporting the operation of the congregation this year.  Last year at the end of May, we were running about $9,000 behind on pledges. This year, we are only about $2,500 behind – and it’s a much tougher year for many folks. People who have not made pledges are giving right on pace with last year. Contributions to our debt retirement and major maintenance funds are running ahead of projections.

This is a church filled with vitality that shows itself in generosity and caring. Thanks so much for all you do.