2008 In His Steps Stewardship Ministry
Annual Missions & Ministries Operating Budget
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do
not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. For
you will spread out to the right and to the left.”
- Isaiah 54:2-3 (TNIV)
Following God’s Plan
God instructed the people of Israel to enlarge the place of their tent because He had a plan for them—a glorious plan to bring forth generations of descendants in His name.
God also has plans for us—as individuals, and as a church. He wants great things for us, and by trusting in His unfailing love and generosity, we can make a huge impact on our community and throughout the world. We can reach out and spread God’s word through our many ministry and mission efforts, and build a place for generations to come and know the love of Christ.
Accepting God’s love and trusting in His plans for us allows us to freely and joyfully give of ourselves and commit our prayers, presence, gifts and service to Him through Woodlake United Methodist Church. We are all in different stages and places in our individual lives, and it is up to all of us to prayerfully consider how we will “take the next step” in our relationship with God through our commitments.
The In His Steps Stewardship program will be held from October 13th to November 4th, 2007. During this time, we will have the opportunity to actively engage in worship services, celebrate the growing ministries the church has fulfilled through the generosity of our congregation, and prayerfully commit ourselves to make even greater things happen in 2008. At this time, pray about your commitment and complete the “Commitment Card” as well as an "Opportunities To Serve" form. Printed copies of the brochure, commitment card and Opportunities to Serve form can also be found in the Welcome Center.
Click here to read this year's Budget Narrative!
Questions & Answers
Why is the church asking me to give?
Giving is our response to God’s goodness to us and an acknowledgement that everything we have comes from God. Giving is an integral part of our spiritual discipleship and allows us to actively participate in the church’s mission and ministry efforts.
Why am I asked to commit my prayers, presence, gifts and service?
These words come from the membership vows we commit to as members of the
United Methodist Church. Each of these commitments are equally vital to the mission of our church and it is our responsibility to “take the next step” each year.
Why am I asked to fill out a commitment card?
Our pledges enable the Finance Committee to act as good stewards of the church’s
resources on our behalf. The church has prepared an annual budget for 2008 based on the expectation of faithful pledges, and the many ministries and outreach efforts of the church are fulfilled through the honoring of these pledges.
How do I decide how much of my “time, talents and treasures” to give?
First, and most importantly, PRAY! Ask God to guide you with these decisions, and base them on the blessings He has bestowed upon you. Trusting that God will provide for us allows us to be generous with our offerings.
OK! I’m ready! What should I do?
Simply fill out the commitment card and the “Opportunities To Serve” form. All commitments will be consecrated during the November 3rd and 4th worship services.
Did You Know...
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Involvement Ministries reports that, as of November 2006, WUMC has 1647 people in total membership. Since then, the church has welcomed an additional 107 adult members and 35 confirmed youth.
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In the spring of 2008 we will have two campuses! The Discipleship building will open and house many classes, events, and will also be home to the Woodlake United Methodist Preschool in fall 2008. There will also be a sports field and pavilion to sponsor Upward Soccer, TopSoccer and various other church events as outreach efforts to the community.
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WUMC’s international, national and local mission efforts sent teams to Cuba, Africa, North Carolina and the local Richmond area this year. Through our partnership with the Child Rescue Centre in Sierra Leone, we sponsored 25 children. We also provided over 5000 meals through our Mt. Moriah and Church Hill House feeding programs.
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Adult Ministries offers 17 small groups, 8 Sunday school classes and many other long- and short-term Bible study groups to empower adults in their relationship with Jesus Christ and to grow in Christian fellowship with others.
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WUMC brings literally hundreds of children and youth closer to Christ each year. We offer a variety of fellowship, bible study, music and mission opportunities for all age groups. There were 350 kids in VBS this summer, 150 kids at the Helping Hands mission event, and 70 kids in Wonders of Worship. We also offer a Sunday night youth worship service for our teens.
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The Healing Ministry sponsors “First Fruits”, a Tuesday night dinner and prayer service for all to come and pray for the needs of our church and the community. We also have a thriving Prayer Shawl ministry that creates shawls which are prayed over and given to those in need of support.
Taking the Next Step
Please review the staircase below. The left hand numbers represent the number of givers and the dollar amounts represent the monthly giving at each step. For example, 345 givers give between $1 and $19 per month; 207 givers give between $20 and $99 per month, etc.
Now consider your monthly giving and find the step you are on. Is God calling you to “take the next step” this year? Imagine the ministries that could be offered and the lives that could be changed if each one of us took the next step.
If you feel led to make a commitment to "take the next step" in your prayers, presence, gifts and service here at Woodlake United Methodist Church, then click here to fill out your commitment card today and your "Opportunities to Serve" form.
