Lebanon FUMC Pledges & Giving
2021 Letter from Pastor Ryan
Greetings in the Name of Jesus! This time last year, we as a church set a lofty goal to provide 85,000 meals throughout the year. Of course, we know now that 2020 would present unforeseeable challenges, but I am proud to say Lebanon FUMC rose to meet our community’s needs in ways we never could have imagined as well. In October alone, we hosted a first-of-its-kind outdoor concert with Musicians of the Nashville Symphony, pulled off an amazing Candy Crawl with safety protocols which over 200 members of our community attended, and held a Community Food Giveaway which pushed us over the threshold of providing 200,000 meals for the year!
Throughout this pandemic, our food pantry never closed a single day beyond its normal operating schedule. Church staff found ways to adapt and minister in seemingly impossible circumstances. This body has proven once again that we are ready to do whatever it takes to live out our mission of loving and serving Lebanon.
Looking ahead, we are continuing to innovate ways to support our church and our community, including for Advent and Christmas. One way you can help is to spread the word that on Christmas Eve, we will be holding our 5:00 PM Candlelight Service on the Square in Lebanon. Our desire is for the entire community to usher in Christmas together and find hope and peace in what has been a most difficult and trying year.
As I reflect on all of this, I am reminded of the words from Genesis 11 that are later fulfilled at Pentecost in Acts 2: “If my people come together as one…then nothing will be impossible for them.” This is the message to Jesus’s church: Nothing is impossible for us. We never would have thought we could do what we’ve done this year, and it is just the tip of the iceberg of what we can do.
Above this letter, you will see our 2021 Pledge Card. I know these are uncertain times, and I know you may have some hesitance to fill it out not knowing what the future will hold…but I also know the one who holds our future. God has not failed us yet, and God will not fail us as we look to tomorrow. In fact, God wants to continue to partner with us in the work God has called us to.
I only ask that you give your best estimate of what you are able to give toward our budget and special accounts, including missions (which funds our hunger ministries, among others), and watch what God will do. These pledges are non-binding; we know circumstances change. They simply help us plan ministry for the coming year and build our budget focused on ministry.
On November 15, we will consecrate these pledges together. You may bring your cards with you to worship that day, mail them in to the church ahead of time, or fill out the digital pledge card above (Cori alone will receive these and ensure they are included in Consecration Sunday).
We have bright hope for tomorrow. Just you watch: 2021 is going to be a great year for our work in building God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven! Thank you for your faithfulness in worship, in serving, and in giving to our God and God’s church.
Blessings, Ryan