Bethesda Content

A Financial Snapshot

Inspired by the Early Church to Give Generously

Our BUMC Stewardship Campaign theme for 2024 is Reclaim, Revive, and Rejoice. As BUMC continues reimagining our church, it is an opportune moment to reclaim our Wesleyan heritage, revive our faith in Christ, and rejoice in our discipleship as United Methodists.

Let’s focus on the second part of our theme to revive our faith in Christ, especially as it relates to generous giving.

Have you ever attended a revival? I have. Revivals are religious services within the Christian church that are held to inspire, or reawaken, the spiritual vigor of a group of believers. Here at BUMC we are dreaming big and reimagining what it means to be the Church. In this way, we are in revival at BUMC. One important part of our revival at BUMC comes through the spiritual practice of generous giving.

As we reimagine BUMC, we don’t have to reinvent the foundation of Christian faith and practice. We can learn and exercise faith by examining and imitating the early church. Here is what the apostle Luke reveals about the early church in Acts 2: “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (vv. 41-47).

Now, and in 2024, let us be inspired by the word of God and revive our faith in Christ by devoting ourselves like the earliest church – joyfully and generously sharing what we have. Let’s be the Wash More Feet Congregation, a people united to impact our community and to win as many people to Jesus as possible, both locally and globally spreading God’s Kingdom.

With faithful, joyful, and vigorous generosity, pledge a gift for 2024 during this Stewardship Campaign. We are better together glorifying God and loving our neighbors!

Rachelle Cummins, 2024 Stewardship Campaign Team Chair

Hey BUMC Book Readers!

The first session of the BUMC Book Group for this year will be on Wednesday, October 4, at 7:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall at BUMC. This book group is open to anyone who enjoys book discussions and is affiliated with BUMC. We would like to have this meeting in person in Fellowship Hall and also on Zoom so that people who prefer to stay home can attend virtually. We will probably use Jill Barr’s Zoom link, and she will send it out in an email before the meeting.

This will be the opening BUMC Book Group session in which we select the books we will read and the dates we will meet. We can discuss the possibility of meeting at people’s homes for a few of the dates. At this first session, Susan Dahiya will bring her laptop and summarize the books we discuss in a spreadsheet. After book suggestions are made, we will have a few votes to narrow them down to a final book list of 5 to 7 books.

Anyone is welcome to join us. Please bring book suggestions and, if possible, the actual books. We usually try to follow a general rule that someone in the group has already read the books we select in order to avoid any major surprises as the group reads the books.

See you on October 4 at BUMC at 7:30 p.m. in the BUMC basement in Fellowship Hall. If Covid seems to be on the rise, feel free to wear your mask.

For additional information, please contact Susan Bender at susanbender@comcast.net, Dawn Lowrie at ddlowrie@icloud.com, Jill Barr at barr.jillh@gmail.com, or Janet Edmonds at j.edmonds@erols.com.

Children's Sabbath is October 29

Children’s Sabbath – You are a piece of God’s plan! Join us on October 29 for a fun and interactive worship service as we learn how the pieces of our lives fit into the larger puzzle of God’s creation. Bring your coins and small bills as the children trick or treat to raise money for UNICEF! Children are invited to wear their Halloween costumes and to meet in Fellowship Hall (not in their Sunday School classrooms) at 10:00 a.m. to prepare for the service. There will be no separate Sunday School and no Kids With Purpose this morning as all children are encouraged to participate in planning and leading the service!

A Three-Purpose Clothing Drive

We will be holding a clothing drive to collect clothes for the following purposes:

1) Fairland Elementary School (Silver Spring) – boys clothing, sizes 6 to 14.
2) BUMC Foster Care Closet – boys and girls clothes, sizes 2T to size 14. We do not need infant clothing.
3) Interfaith Works – a local non-profit organization with shelters, employment programs, and a donation center. They accept all sizes of clothing for infants and children through adults.

Please look for the plastic bins in our narthex. Kindly refrain from donating old or dirty clothing. We can only accept clothing that is new or in good condition. Coats and jackets are welcome, but please note that we will be having a coat drive in November.

For more information, please contact Stacy Welch at snwel062@yahoo.com or Janet Edmonds at j.edmonds@erols.com.

Fasting Prayer on October 7

On the first Saturday of each month, we encourage you to fast as we pray for BUMC and its ministry. You can choose to skip a meal or two or fast for an entire day according to your health condition.

Please pray for these items in October:

– Thank God for the Stewardship Campaign: Reclaim, Revive, and Rejoice in our faith and discipleship in Jesus Christ. Praise God for the Stewardship leadership and those already supported by their pledges.
– Please pray for BUMC to find a youth director who is not only faithful but also dedicated to the job. It’s really important for the church to have someone who is committed and passionate about working with the youth.
– Please continue to pray for the finalization of the process of sharing the BUMC’s facility.

Gun Industry Accountability

Gun Industry Accountability – Panel Discussion on Gun Industry Immunity from Civil Lawsuits
Join us for a panel discussion on the current immunity of the gun industry from civil lawsuits and whether they should be held accountable, similar to the actions taken against tobacco and pharmaceutical companies. The event will take place in person at Temple Shalom, located at 8401 Grubb Rd, Chevy Chase. For those unable to attend in person, the panel discussion will also be livestreamed.
Our panelists include Sandy and Lonnie Phillips, founders of Survivors Empowered, Erin Davis, Senior Counsel at Brady United, and Senator Jeff Waldstreicher (D-18). The panel will be moderated by Karen Herren, Executive Director of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence.
The program is free to attend, but registration is required. Please register here to secure your spot: [insert hyperlink].

Silence the Violence

Saturday, October 14, 7:30 p.m. – Silence the Violence Concert with Children’s Chorus of Washington and More – Eighth Annual benefit concert for TraRon Center. Attend either in person at National United Methodist Church or virtually. All proceeds go to TraRon. TraRon works with children and youth in the District of Columbia who have lost loved ones to gun violence, offering them after-school programs including art therapy. BUMC is one of the concert sponsors and is helping with volunteer staff at the concert. Please buy a ticket or make a donation for this good cause. To carpool, contact Susan Bender at susanbender@comcast.net.

All Things Music...

View from “A Loft”

So long, summer – welcome fall. Sorry, but I really struggle with those phrases. I think I’d rather have a root canal than admit that summer is over! I’m not trying to offend anyone who has been looking forward to the return of their cherished Pumpkin Spice, but I’m a summer kind of guy – not one of the “the-hotter-the-better” types. No – those people are just nuts! But I love the long days when the sun comes up before 6 am and sets after 8 pm. I love the fact that outside and inside can be one in the same when the windows are open (yep – I avoid using the AC until it’s absolutely unbearable!) I love the cool and refreshment of the local pool or a mountain stream – not to mention the hot sand and cool surf of the beach! I dread the onset of the cooler and darker seasons, so much so that I even have a double-standard when it comes to gauging the start of each season.

You may have heard the term “Meteorological” placed before the seasons of spring, summer, fall, or winter. Meteorological (insert season here) refers to a three-month period that ignores the official start of a new season on or about the 21st of March, June, September, and December, and instead considers the seasons to be September 1-November 30 for fall, December 1-February 28 (or 29) for winter, March 1-May 31 for spring, and June 1-August 31 for summer.

So “meteorological fall” began on September 1, but given that I hate to see summer go, I refuse to admit that it’s fall until September 21. The only season I like less than fall is winter, so it, too, doesn’t begin for me until December 21 – which is also the winter solstice… bright spot… the days start getting longer from there. (Yes – I do find it somewhat depressing that the days start getting shorter again on June 21 when the summer, meteorological or actual, has barely begun!) Conversely, I can’t wait for the start of spring, so perhaps you’ve already predicted that I observe the meteorological start to spring on March 1 rather than wait 3 more weeks for the actual start on the 21st… it shortens the winter, lengthens the spring, and completely undermines any prediction Punxsutawney Phil may have had on February 2!

If you’ve stuck with me through these first three paragraphs about weather and the seasons, quit scratching (or shaking) your head, rolling your eyes, or otherwise wondering what this has to do with music! I thought you’d never ask…

If you’ve read and otherwise kept up with this music page all summer long, you’ve no doubt seen the invitations to participate in the music program at BUMC. For me, one who, perhaps like you, dreads the onset of the colder, darker days and depends on a low-dose of an antidepressant to get through, music at BUMC is a bright spot during the fall and winter months. The singers, ringers, and players return to rehearse and participate regularly in worship – the sanctuary and choir room comes to life again. Yes – we have essentially established an awakening, potentially a resurrection of sorts. Hmmmm… at the very least, I may need to re-evaluate my characterization of the new season as a descent into colder and darker times.

Still with me? C’mon – you have to admit, this is way better than a boring text box that says “You’re Invited” or “Come Join Us” in the choir, the band, bells, or Church Folk with rehearsal times and places right next to it… but admittedly, that’s what this is… an invitation!

What’s in it for you? You’re asking really great questions. Here’s some really matter-of-fact answers:

Participating in music, specifically singing:

• Strengthens your immune system. When you sing, you give your lungs a workout. Singing also helps improve the flow of blood and oxygen to your brain, which improves mental alertness, concentration, and memory.
• Improves your posture. Proper singing technique includes planting the feet firmly on the ground and not slouching the shoulders. These postures quickly become a habit for singers.
• Is a natural antidepressant and reduces stress.
• Increases your circle of friends. The camaraderie of group singing, whether in a choir or at karaoke, creates a deep and lasting bond of friendship.

With all of that, the only thing left to say is “Come join us! If you’ve been thinking about joining the music program, now is a great time – we’ll be starting on Christmas music soon!” It’s a win-win situation – that is to say, whether you are mourning the passing of another summer like me, or someone who has eagerly been awaiting the turning leaves, cooler days, participating in BUMC’s music program will be beneficial to you and your church. So…

Hymns/Songs/Musical Selections – your favorites?

This past August, I began my 38th year in church music (my 11th as BUMC’s Director of Music). The very first pastor I can remember as a very young child, Rev. Bob Current, had a quest to sing every hymn in the hymnal. I believe he succeeded in doing so before he retired. While visiting him during the Christmas Holiday one year, he showed me his hymnal that contained the date(s) – handwritten at the top of each page, on which the hymn was used. Looking back, the hymnal he used was first published in 1964. He retired in 1972, so he somehow managed to use all 552 hymns in the span of 8 years.

I have adopted a similar quest – although I’ll admit right away that I’m not sure I’ll succeed, mainly because we have three hymnals at the present time whereas Rev. Current only had one. To increase the chances that I’ll succeed, I’ve adopted what I think is a looser set of criteria than Rev. Current used.  The term to apply to any given hymn or song in one of our hymnals is “use” rather than “sing.” This expands the definition of “sing as a congregation” to include a hymn sung by a choir or a soloist.  I’m not even going to require that the hymn or song be used in a worship service.  We sang through a few (ahem) unfamiliar hymns during the hymn sings that were held this past summer.  I counted that as a “use” and wrote the date at the top of the page in my hymnal.

Our United Methodist Hymnal and its supplements (The Faith We Sing and Worship & Song) contain approximately 1,200 hymns and songs for worship spanning hundreds of years.  What are your favorites?  In the spirit of equal time, what are your least favorites – I don’t like all of them either, so it’s safe (not to mention fun) to answer the question.  Let me know by sending an email to chris@washmorefeet.org with Favorite/Unfavorite Hymn in the subject line.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Chris Warrington

Director of Music – chris@washmorefeet.org

Youth Program Update

Our youth program is thriving even without a youth ministry director, thanks to the leadership of Rev. HiRho and Dr. Shaw. The UMYF has introduced new features such as parent-provided dinners, exciting games, sharing of favorite music by the youth, and praying with Canopy Buddies.

Starting on October 8th at 10:00 a.m., Kristen Johnson will teach Sunday School for youth. Donuts and drinks will be provided.

The Confirmation Class this year has 13 participating youths. Their mentors are Rachelle Cummins, Carl Eichenwald, Ada Wong, Hitao Wang, and Jacob Couch. Several volunteers have also stepped up to teach, including Bob Gillette, Rosie Cooper, Michael Mitchell, Bill Allman, Noeline Kitonsa, Carynne Jerrell, Shaw Brewer, Susan Bender, and Mary Clayton Carr.

The confirmation class students attended a retreat at Camp Manidokan from September 30th to October 1st. The retreat was led by Pat Kirwan, Gunna Gunnarson, Kara Peace, and Victoria Pannullo. During this time, they could identify their spiritual gifts and strengthen their relationships through various activities, such as the Climbing Tower and Low Ropes Course.

We ask for your continuous prayers for our youth ministry.

Enjoy Lunch with Pastors

Join Reverend HiRho and Dr. Shaw for lunch on Sunday after the church service. We will gather at a restaurant to enjoy good food and conversation and connect with pastors and other members in a relaxed atmosphere. Our first gathering will be on October 22. If you would like to join us, please email Rev. HiRho at hrpark@washmorefeet.org by October 15. Dutch pay!

Calling all Youth! Unite with Us for an Unforgettable Evening of Fun and Faith

Join the United Methodist Youth Fellowship on October 22nd and 29th, from 5:30-7:00 PM, as we gather for an incredible time of food, fellowship, and exhilarating games you love!

We invite you to come and experience a night filled with laughter, friendship, and the joy of growing closer to God and your friends. Whether you’re a regular attendee or new to our fellowship, Don’t miss out on this opportunity to have a fabulous time while strengthening your faith and building lasting connections. Mark your calendars and spread the word! For more information, kindly contact shaw@washmorefeet.org.

Come expecting an amazing time – we can’t wait to see you there!

Unearth the Truth: Four Powerful Words

Join us every Tuesday night through October 17 as we embark on an enriching journey, delving into the biblical meanings of four powerful words: rebirth, reclaim, rejoice, and revive. This series promises to be a wonderful time of fellowship and learning, where we gather to explore the depths of God’s Word.

Are you ready to dig deep and grow closer to God? We invite you to join us as we study these transformative words and uncover the true essence of their significance in our lives. Through this study, we hope to revitalize our souls, reclaim our purpose, and experience the joy of true rejoicing.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with fellow believers and strengthen your faith. We look forward to seeing you on Tuesdays!

For more information, contact Shaw at shaw@washmorefeet.org.

Young Adults October Gathering

Young adults: join us for a spooktacular evening of fellowship at Jacob’s House! On October 25 at 7:00 p.m., we invite you to be a part of our dynamic Young Adult event. Get ready for a night filled with laughter, games, and deep discussions about the future. Come hungry, as there will be delightful treats to satisfy your taste buds. Don’t worry; there won’t be any tricks – only good vibes and great company! For more information or to let us know you are coming, please email shaw@washmorefeet.org. Be sure to mark your calendars and spread the word – this is an event you won’t want to miss!”

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But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us because it is almost evening, and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. – Luke 24:29

I love the fall. Not just the good weather, but it is also truly a season of almost for me; it is always “almost” another great thing to look forward to. It is almost Halloween, with candy and costumes. Then it is almost Thanksgiving with turkey, dressing, and people with us around the table. Then it is almost advent with children’s pageants, the singing of Silent Night, and Christmas day celebrations.

However, even the best of these are not the same if we are not surrounded by those we love or are struggling with something like the loss of a job, an illness, or the death of someone close. All of these can become just a reminder of what we almost had. In the passage before this verse, that is where we find the travelers on the road to Emmaus almost wasn’t just that it was almost night but also the hopes of what they almost thought had been lost when Jesus was crucified. They had visions of the kind of leader he would be and felt they had only almost seen this come to fruition.

Yes, they were mourning almost all of they would never have. Then they shared the sacred meal we share every communion Sunday with Jesus himself. And, their eyes were opened. And, soon, they would see that we celebrate this meal because the sting of death is defeated. And the end of their almost was just the beginning.

We need to be reminded in our hard times that God is still there with us whether we experience our almosts the way we hope or not. We must be reminded at the table that every time we come to the table to eat and drink, remember Jesus. Jesus is there through every circumstance.

That is why we take communion on the first Sunday of every month. We take it, remembering all those around the world who also partake in this holy meal and those who have ever taken it before. It is a reminder that this meal remains steadfast and that something special happens when we take it, whatever our circumstances.

We must also be reminded that it is okay to mourn and not be ready to find joy in all the almosts around us. And that is why we leave space to grieve, be sad, and wonder about what might have been. These opportunities begin towards the beginning of this season with All Saints Sunday and have the Blue Christmas service towards the end. And, in the middle of this season, throughout November and ending with the first Tuesday in December, we will have the opportunity to engage in Kate Bowler’s study, “The Season of Almost.” In this study, we will find hope when the days seem so dark that hope is hard to find. The always-present love of Christ that is always there to envelop us when we need love the most. Joy when happiness cannot be found. And the peace that comes from the Prince of Peace born on Christmas day.

However, if the times are hard, we have places for you to bring your struggles. The All Saints service is where you can offer up the names of those you miss the most. The pre-advent study, where we commiserate and hope together. And the Blue Christmas service is where we admit times are hard.

Wherever you find yourselves, hopeful or sad, I pray you find what you need in this season. And, throughout this season of “almost,” wherever you find yourself, I hope you find love, joy, and peace wherever you look. I hope you have a fall full of many almosts and know that God is there with you through it all.

Mission Monday

Mission Monday for October will take place on Monday, October 2, 2023. From 8:30 to 10:00 a.m., we will be collecting individually wrapped meat and cheese sandwiches and baggies of homemade trail mix in the BUMC Parking Lot. These donations will be delivered to McKenna’s Wagon, a program of Martha’s Table, to be distributed to the homeless in DC.

Additionally, we will be collecting nonperishable foods for Bethesda Help and for the Little Free Pantry at BUMC during that time. Your assistance is greatly appreciated as we enter the autumn season. Thank you.

Empty Nesters Group?

We are looking to revive our Empty Nesters group with an inaugural event on the last weekend of October. If you are an empty nester, almost an empty nester, or a no-nester and would like to connect with others from BUMC in a similar stage of life, please plan on joining us. If interested, please let Jennifer Gunnarsson (jenetic01@gmail.com) know so she can add you to the email list. Keep an eye on your inbox for more information coming soon!

Boy Scouts Anniversary

Join Us For The 90th Anniversary Celebration of BSA Troop 204!

We are excited to invite you to a special event as we celebrate the 90th anniversary of Scouts BSA Troop 204, a remarkable journey of service and inclusivity. Founded by BUMC in 1933, Troop 204 has been a pillar of our community, fostering leadership and instilling values in countless young individuals over the decades.

As we commemorate this significant milestone, we warmly invite you to join us on Wednesday, October 18th, at 6:30 pm in the Sanctuary for an unforgettable evening of reflection and celebration. The invocation will be led by Rev. HiRho, followed by refreshments, a slideshow, and a display of memorabilia. We will continue our celebration in the Fellowship Hall with a Court of Honor, honoring the recent achievements of current Troop 204 Scouts.

A Look Back in Time – In 1933, Pastor Charles C. Burrus introduced Scouting to BUMC, though the formal charter was issued in the name of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Our founding chairman was David N. Miller, a postal clerk, and our founding Scoutmaster was Alex T. Britton, a letter carrier. Both David and Alex were from Bethesda. We are proud to have a copy of our founding charter. The long-lost original would be museum-worthy, bearing signatures of honorary BSA leader Franklin Roosevelt and two major figures of the early Scouting movement: BSA co-founder Dan Beard and long-time Chief Scout James E. West.

Our Troop’s archives contain several mementos from its early years, and by the 1960s, Scouting was thriving at BUMC to such an extent that we formed a second troop, Troop 240. According to alumni, even the entire youth choir joined! Since the late 1970s, we have been collecting photographs and newsletters that will be available for viewing in the Fellowship Hall during the Court of Honor. Our program is youth-led, both in meetings and in the field. While it may not always be quiet or orderly, it provides opportunities for young Scouts to grow in both independence and interdependence, leadership, and service.

Volunteer service is a fundamental aspect of the Scouting program, and each Eagle candidate must plan and lead a volunteer service project. Our most recent project, led by Jonah Bortnick, involved painting the railings at BUMC, demonstrating our commitment to enhancing our church and community.

As of today, Troop 204 consists of approximately 30 Scouts, and we maintain a strong commitment to inclusive Scouting. Scouts BSA welcomes interested youth between the ages of 11 and 18. We invite you to witness our Troop in action nearly every Wednesday at 7:30 pm here at BUMC!

Coming Out a Night: A Listening Session

Celebrating Authenticity and Inclusivity for a Second Year in a Row

Join us on October 12 at 7:00 for a special event celebrating people coming out and embracing their true identities. This hybrid event offers Zoom and in-person options, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably and safely.

We will begin with a heartfelt prayer and a short liturgy, setting the tone for an evening of understanding and acceptance. Our guest speaker, Mark Ekstein, advocates for LGBTQIA+ issues in our schools, working closely with the county. Mark will shed light on the recent threat to the inclusive curriculum approved by the county school board, empowering us to take action.

Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, or simply interested in fostering a more inclusive society, this listening session is for you. Join us as we celebrate and support one another on this journey. For more information, contact shaw@washmorefeet.org or Dennis@washmorefeet.org.

Maryland Security Grant

Maryland State Security Grant

In early 2023, the church became aware of the Maryland State “Protection against Hate Crime” grant program. This program aimed to provide new or upgraded security measures for institutions in the state, with a focus on reducing the risk of hate-related violence or property damage. It was specifically intended for Faith-Based Organizations and Non-Profit Organizations, with a maximum grant amount of $150,000.

To be eligible for a grant, applicants needed to provide a justification for funding based on the incidence and severity of hate crimes in their local community. As a socially conscious congregation located on a heavily traveled thoroughfare, and considering the recent incidents in the area, we believed that our church was at risk of experiencing potential events. The recent church arsons in the vicinity also influenced our decision to apply for the grant.

Working together, Kris Hoxha and Riley Williams completed the extensive grant application on behalf of the church. The application was submitted to the state on March 24, 2023, ahead of the March 30th deadline. The total funding requested amounted to $146,000.

On July 18, 2023, we received confirmation from the state that we had been awarded $77,500 to enhance the security around the church. These enhancements will include additional security cameras, door access controls for both interior and exterior, quick response emergency alarm technology, and high-security panic door locks for classrooms. These improvements aim to create a more secure yet welcoming environment for our congregation, staff, and all members of our church community.

Butler's Orchard

We are inviting all families to join us at Butler’s Orchard on October 14th at 6:30 p.m. We will be having a hayride followed by a bonfire with s’mores. We are combining youth and children for a fun-filled evening of family fun. The cost is $10 per person. RSVP by emailing Dennis at dennis@washmorefeet.org.

2024 Stewardship Campaign Focus

BUMC – Inspired by the Early Church to Give Generously

Our BUMC Stewardship Campaign theme for 2024 is Reclaim, Revive, and Rejoice. As BUMC continues re-imagining our church, it is an opportune moment to reclaim our Wesleyan heritage, revive our faith in Christ, and rejoice in our discipleship as United Methodists.

Let’s focus on the second part of our theme to revive our faith in Christ, especially as it relates to generous giving.

Have you ever attended a revival? I have. Revivals are religious services within the Christian church that are held to inspire, or reawaken, the spiritual vigor of a group of believers. Here at BUMC, we are dreaming big and re-imagining what it means to be the Church. In this way, we are in revival at BUMC. One important part of our revival at BUMC comes through the spiritual practice of generous giving.

As we re-imagine BUMC, we don’t have to reinvent the foundation of Christian faith and practice. We can learn and exercise faith by examining and imitating the early church. Here is what the apostle Luke reveals about the early church in Acts 2: “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.” (vv. 41-47).

Now, and in 2024, let us be inspired by the word of God and revive our faith in Christ by devoting ourselves like the earliest church – joyfully and generously sharing what we have. Let’s be the wash more feet congregation, a people united to impact our community and to win as many people to Jesus as possible, both locally and globally spreading God’s Kingdom.

With faithful, joyful, and vigorous generosity, pledge a gift for 2024 during this Stewardship Campaign. We are better together glorifying God and loving our neighbors!

Rachelle Cummins, 2024 Stewardship Campaign Team Chair