October, 2010

October is a busy month in the United Methodist Church. Are you up for the challenge?

First we have World Communion Sunday, October 3. On this day we take up a special offering to provide scholarships for U.S. (racial – and ethnic- minority) and international undergraduate and graduate scholarships. But more than this, on this day we join a tradition, begun in the late 1940’s, or recognizing and celebrating that we celebrate Communion with Christians of many theologies and denominations all over the world. This day brings special emphasis to that part of our ecumenically shared Communion ritual where we join the songs and prayers of all the saints on earth and all the saints and creatures of heaven around the Lord’s Table.

Second, October 10th is Children’s Sabbath. Though we will be celebrating United Methodist Women’s Sunday in our Prairie Farm church. Our UMW group will be conducting the service in Prairie Farm this day. I hope that you will all come out to support them.

Third, October 17th is Laity Sunday. Laity will be leading our services this Sunday. Please join me in supporting all their hard work today and throughout the year.

Fourth, October 31st is not exactly a special day in our church, but November 1st is All Saints day so we will be celebrating it on October 31st.

October is also Stewardship Month in the United Methodist Church. This is the time when we usually have our annual Stewardship Campaigns. Doing this enables the Finance Committee and the Administrative Council to be able to plan and budget for the following year. While we will not have an official campaign this year, you are asked to make a commitment to our churches for the following year. Church is not only a place of worship, learning, and fellowship, but it is, in essence, a business. It needs your support to keep moving into the future. Without your commitments, it will become a non-viable church, and none of us want to see this happen. So please consider placing your church in your family budget, whether it’s weekly or monthly.