Annual Stewardship Pledge
November 4, 2024
Dear Divine Street Family,
This letter comes to you at an exciting time in the life of our church. In the last year, our church has renewed its commitment to being a welcoming and missional church. As a Lighthouse Congregation, we are committed to being a place where all can experience the hospitality and love of Christ. Through our outreach and mission efforts, we join in sharing that hospitality with our neighbors in Dunn and all around the world.
As we have sought to be a missional church, we have also rejoiced in welcoming 27 new members into the life of this church in just over a year, including several through baptism. We are also glad to share that we have more baptisms and membership on the calendar. Our youth group continues to thrive, we remain involved with Campbell Wesley, and we have recently restarted Children’s Church during our worship time! Our church has also been able to resume regular choir practice, as we have welcomed Gretchen Marsden as our new Music Director and Organist.
These truly are joyful times at Divine Street UMC, and we seek to continue to build that momentum through our stewardship campaign this year. As we follow God’s call and seek to respond to the beautiful ways that the Spirit is moving in our congregation, we ask you to prayerfully consider a 2025 Pledge of 110% of your 2024 giving. This increase in giving will enable us not only to continue all of the wonderful ministries that are currently going on at Divine Street, but it will also allow us to dream of what more God is calling us to do for the formation of disciples in this place, and the transformation of the world around us. As you discern how God is calling you to respond, there are two ways in which you can participate in this season of generosity.
Track One is a special year-end giving opportunity. Whether you have found yourself a bit behind on your financial pledge for 2024 or simply hear God's call to expand your generosity, this is the best time to step up your determination. As we continue expanding our reach and ministry, these gifts help propel us into the future to which God is calling us. We cannot think of a better way to glorify God than to support the efforts of your church through sacrificial financial giving (and its tax deductible!)
Track Two is our annual pledge commitment. As we pray for 2025 to be a year of great growth, great accomplishment, and great renewal, your financial generosity joins with God’s faithfulness to bring that prayer to fruition. Again, may God be glorified by your sacrifice!
Here are two cards - one for each of these important giving commitments. Please take a moment to thank God for your blessings, prayerfully complete both of the cards, and prepare to bring your commitment to generosity to the altar on November 17th as we celebrate together Commitment Sunday.
As we seek to be a Lighthouse in our community and in our region, we invite you to join us in shining the welcoming light of Christ through these two ways of giving.
Blessings to you,
Rev. Jacob
Rhett Raynor, Stewardship Chair