Stewardship Letter from Charles Emmons Jr.

Good morning,

I am Charles Emmons, Chairperson for the Finance Committee, and glad I can speak to you today as we begin the final week of our annual Stewardship Campaign. Next Sunday, December 5th, we will bring our pledges of financial commitment to the ministry of the FUMC – the Chicago Temple before God and consecrate these gifts during the Worship Services. If you have already returned your response, it will be included in this Service.

Besides fulfilling your commitment as a member of this congregation, there are three reasons you must make a pledge to support the ministries of the FUMC:

1. The First: To Fulfill the mission of this church:“The mission of the First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple is to welcome everyone to worship God in the heart of the city, and to be a nurturing community that offers Christ’s love and word throughout the world.”

   To honor this mission we envision in the church and world:
   • embracing the diversity of God’s creation
   • offering sacred space as a sanctuary for all
   • promoting education and spiritual growth
   • being good stewards of God’s gifts, talents, and resources
   • embodying God’s love as we minister to our neighbors everywhere through prayer and acts of service
   • offering public witness for justice and mercy.

2. The Second Reason is to support the staff and Clergy of this ministry.They lead at least six weekly worship Services; provide pastoral care; organize and lead a homeless ministry, tutoring program for a Chicago Public School; bereavement ministry and numerous musical rehearsals; the names of these individuals are on your bulletin and I hold their names in our prayers thanking them every day for their work and ministry on behalf of all of us.

   In addition, did you know there is a Samaritan Center on the third floor; there are more than ten weekly 12 Step Meetings; Silk Road, a nationally recognized theatre company, performs in the basement; twelve soloists in our choirs (who, by the way, will present a Concert for you next Sunday at 2:00 PM); hand bells; wind and string ensembles all lead us in Worship. There is wonderful new art gallery now open on the 2nd floor featuring John White’s photography. The Sanctuary is open 365 days from 7 AM to 9 PM for anyone who passes our doors and feels or senses the warmth and spirit of Jesus Christ. The richness and diversity of opportunities in this church – FUMC at the Chicago Temple, are huge! Yes breathtaking! This church is at the center of a vibrant city filled with cultural richness, educational opportunities and sports fanatics!

3. The third reason for you to submit your financial pledge is because we need your giving to realize that the homeless are fed, the children are taught and the grieving receive strength. Furthermore, it is our responsibility to carry forth the aspirations of prior generations of Methodists on this corner – for almost 180 years – to provide a light and beacon of hope through the risen Lord; a rush of the Holy Spirit through musical inspiration; and a promise of forgiveness in the spoken words.

If you have not already completed your pledge card to support this ministry, please find one in the Mabuhay Fellowship Room and either return it to the office by mail, place it in the offering plate today or next Sunday, or fill a card online at the chicagotemple.org website and click on “forms.” Thank you for your prayers, presence, gifts and service!