November 4, 2026 Midweek News
Happy Wednesday Church,
How do you pray CONSTANTLY? That’s what we wondered about last Sunday in worship. John Wesley reminds Methodists that “praying without ceasing” is the fourth mark, or characteristic, of a Methodist. Wesley’s words and the example of Jesus show us that the heart of a disciple is a heart of attentiveness. Our 20-minute devotionals, or 2-minute breath prayers, propel us into an attitude of “prayer without ceasing” – helping us be mindful that when our hearts are lifted to God, we are in a spirit of prayer. You are not a servant trying to avoid the pruning shears. You are a branch – resting, abiding, connected to the true vine. You are Christ’s friend. Prayer is a posture of lifting our hearts to God.
This coming Sunday, we will lift our hearts to God and offer our gifts, resources, time, and talent to God’s church for the year 2027. You received a pledge card in person or in the mail. Our Leadership Board invites you to complete that card and return it this Sunday in worship. We will consecrate our gifts to God and conclude our worship series with the fifth mark of a Methodist: A Methodist Loves Others.
Your pledge estimate helps the Leadership Board craft a balanced budget that supports the staff, ministry, and building needs of our faith community for 2027. We are grateful this year that property insurance costs remained flat, but we are facing additional costs related to utilities, property taxes, staffing, and maintenance. Thank you for taking the time to prayerfully estimate your contribution to the church operating budget next year.
And mark your calendar for our annual Church Charge Conference on Thursday, Nov 12. A simple supper will take place at 5:30pm, and the meeting will begin at 6:00pm. The charge conference will vote on the church leadership roster, clergy compensation, an updated renovation proposal, an increase to our construction loan capacity, and we will pray about ministry in the year ahead.
Blessings,
Pastor Jared