September 30, 2008

Dear First Church Member,

Have you ever stopped to think about what it really means to be a member of a church? Not a visitor. Not a constituent. But a member? Persons who join the United Methodist church affirm a vow by which they agree to support the church through prayer, presence, gifts and service. But having made those vows, there really is no enforcement mechanism to ensure adherence. If members stop attending church there’s really not much the leadership can do. If members stop giving or only give in a token manner, there is no church “enforcer” who drops by the homes of delinquent individuals. So why do we give? What drives us as a people of God?

The answer can be found in our denominational mission statement: “to make disciples of Jesus Christ.” In other words, what is the ultimate end product of our missions and ministries? Disciples. True, it may have been a while since you’ve looked in the mirror and said, “I’m a disciple!” but I want to encourage you to take the notion seriously. Jesus himself commanded the disciples to make other disciples and that commandment continues to ring out throughout the ages. Everything we do under the auspices of church is aimed at making disciples. This of course raises the question: “how is your discipleship going?” There are so many emphases to choose from: children’s ministries, youth ministries, Bible study, music & arts, urban missions, UrbanLife, mission trips, older adult activities...the list goes on. The important thing is to find your ministry area of interest and get busy!

Of course, none of these opportunities for individual faith development would be available if it were not for the infrastructure of the local church that is funded by our budget. The budget makes possible staff expertise and leadership. The budget provides the comfortable and clean facilities. The budget gives us a central place to gather on Sunday mornings so that we can worship God through the preached word, music, prayer, and liturgy. The budget allows us to participate with sister United Methodist churches in performing ministries throughout our community and around the world. In short, the budget makes it all happen!!

For this reason, giving substantially to the budget is a key component of our discipleship together. It is important that we choose to give.

To this end, we are getting ready to kick off our 2009 budget campaign entitled Here I am, Lord. Here’s what I need you to do:

1. Be on the lookout for a special packet to be mailed to you by October 15. This packet will contain:
a. A brochure explaining our 2009 budget
b. A letter from Finance Committee Chair, Cathy Bard
c. Your pledge card for 2009

2. Before you decide the amount of money you will pledge to fund our 2009 missions and ministries, please spend some time reflecting about the priority of your faith and the work of the church in your life. Make sure your giving is an external sign of the internal reality of your commitment.

3. Make sure you see the “Here I am, Lord” video that will be shown in worship on Sunday morning October 19 or watch it beginning Monday, October 20 by clicking the link above.

4. Fill out your pledge card and bring it to church on Commitment Sunday October 26. It is going to be a glorious day of music, preaching, and prayer! You may also e-mail your pledge to Wendy Westberg at wwestberg@fumcdallas.org.

I am very excited about your discipleship for the coming year. Please be a positive part of this all congregation effort.

Yours in Christ,

Dr. John F. Fiedler
Senior Minister

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