Christ First UMC | 663 Lakeview Avenue | Jamestown NY 14701

November 2024 - Are You Ready to Make a Change?

In a world that is continually changing it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Watching the news sometimes can make you just want to go back to bed. There are new wars, new diseases and natural disasters popping up all over the world.   We may wonder, can’t some things just stay the same? Just for a little while?

Do you know what has remained constant? God’s love for you. That love has always and will always be there for you.

Christ First has been through so many changes in the past few years. I think we all need to catch our breath and refocus on what is important as a congregation. Like God’s love, the church has held strong. We have made it through some difficult leadership changes, a declining membership and Covid. Do you remember church in the parking lot?

Christ First has changed how it funds its mission team. This gives the mission team a steady flow to put plans into action. They are making positive things happen in our community and the world. Do you remember the Tops gift cards? The hope that they put into the    community was amazing.

We have a children’s program that is changing how it reaches children. If children aren’t in church the team is reaching them where they are with monthly events.  Do you remember the VBS pictures?

Christ First does God’s work. It is important that we continue to help the world we are in. We need to remain strong and grow so we can continue to help feed the souls and the bellies of God’s children.

The finance committee has been working to balance the budget for 2025.  Pastor Sue is working as a half-time pastor.  Although this reduction  is saving  us money,  to continue  with this  leadership role  at   half-time would be a big change for our church.  If we return to a full-time pastor, we  will have a financial shortfall.  To change this trajectory, we must be willing to  increase our pledges.  The loss of a full-time pastor is a change we don’t have to make if we all work together.   There are over 150 people on our church roster.  If each of us increased our contributions by only $5.00 a week, our numbers would jump to $39,000. This would more than cover the shortfall.  If you could skip your Tim Horton’s trip one day a week, this shortfall could be covered! The coffee you make at home is better anyway when you put it in your favorite mug… and you can get a second cup!

Pastor Sue has often told us to step out in faith. Can you step with us? Christ First needs your support to continue making positive changes in this world. Can you make a pledge to Christ First to continue these changes? Please pray on this.

 Michael Jackson sang about making a change and that change starts with the man in the mirror. Are you ready to make a change?  Christ First and your world are waiting.

Faithfully, the Finance Committee

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