Saint Stephen United Methodist Church

What a joy to be with you last night.  I hope everyone enjoyed the music and the testimonies as much as I did.  I have always believed in the power of Revelation 12:11 that believers overcome the evil one by “the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony.”   In the context of STATE OF THE CHURCH, there are four parts to this testimony. 

Part One of our testimony is “telling the story.”  We did that last night with great passion and enthusiasm.

Part Two is “inviting people to join us and become a part.”  Hence, the commitment packet you received last night.  You are invited to make a response.  We encourage you to pray about your commitment and then, with God’s guidance, fill in the cards on PRAYER, ATTENDANCE, GIVINGand SERVICE and be ready to present them to the church this Sunday.

Many people have yet to pick up their packets.  So really, the heart of Part Two is to make sure everyone gets their packet.  They can be picked up in the church office at any time.  They will be in the foyer on Wednesday and Sunday for your convenience.  Also, they will be in Sunday School class rooms.  What is not picked up over the next week will have to be mailed at the cost of $1.50 a piece.  It would be so much more cost effective for the church if people could pick them up.

Part Three, of course, is the actual “presentation of the commitment envelope to the Lord.”  The next three Sundays are “Commitment Sundays” and as a part of the service, we will be marching forward to the Joash Chest to present our envelopes.

Part Four, will be the planning of our 2010 budget based on the actual giving commitments and also contacting  individuals in follow-up to their commitment of service.

TESTIMONY is a powerful thing when it is full-orbed and complete.  Help us complete the testimony of a “good work already begun.”

Yours in Christ,

Stan