Greetings in the strong name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As we launch into this new season of ministry this fall I celebrate all that has been accomplished for the cause of Christ through the ministry of Coker United Methodist Church this past summer. The mission trips, VBS and choir camps, worship services, Bible studies, and so much more. We are committed to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ through word and deed and the commitment certainly shows in our efforts this summer.
As we move into the fall season we find familiar routines associated with this time in the calendar – a new school year, new activities, a shift in thinking away from the beginning of a year toward the end of the year. One of those familiar routines for the church is our annual stewardship time, which always happens in the fall. This year our stewardship emphasis will launch on September 30th and run through October 21. We will be looking at our overall vision as a church and what it means as a congregation to LOVE GOD, SERVE OTHERS, and CHANGE THE WORLD.
Back in January our Church Council made the decision to bring in an outside group to help us re-think the way we do stewardship and how we resource the overall ministry of the church. That process has been ongoing since that time and it has been a blessing. I like to describe it as setting the church on a good foundation for the next 15-20 years of ministry and mission. We have identified 4 key values to drive our overall generosity as a congregation and frankly, to drive our ministry decisions as well:
1. Sharing the message of Jesus
2. We’re ready to help
3. We’re in this together
4. It’s our Responsibility
As we have studied the characteristics that make Coker a great church worthy of supporting financially, these are the things we have identified that make that true. Coker is committed to sharing the message of Jesus. Coker is always ready to help. Coker is a church that knows we are in this together and everyone is important. Coker will always shoulder the responsibility and the burden of living out the gospel. We believe this is what makes Coker great, and what makes Coker worthy of your financial support.
There will be some changes in how we budget and how we talk about money that we will have plenty of time and opportunity to explain during the campaign in October as well as answer any questions you might have. Our team that has been working on this has been very active and diligent and they are excited about what this could mean for the future of Coker. That team consists of all 3 pastors; Becky Kirbo, Director for Finance and Administration; Cheryl Kendall, Director of Children’s Ministry; Jay Roten, Church Council Chair; Brian Zimmerman, Finance Committee Chair; Martha Mangum and Larry Blaylock, Stewardship Committee Co-Chairs.
I look forward to sharing with you more about what is to come and what God has in store for us as a church as we push ahead into God’s future for us. Please plan on joining us throughout the entire series and campaign from September 30 – October 21. I pray you are blessed by what follows in these pages and the incredible things God continues to do in our midst. All glory to God.
Pastor Adam
