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Commitment
Sunday
Exciting things are
happening at Hartford First United Methodist Church. There is a
unified spirit of anticipation, urgency, and hope in the ministries
of this great church. We are seeing people make first time
commitments to Christ. We are seeing baptisms and growth in our
worship services. New ministries are starting. We have seen
attendance at our worship services not seen since 1986. There is a
sincere feeling of renewal and hope in the life of our congregation
as we live out our mission to "welcome everyone, spread God's Word,
and fulfill spiritual needs."
This hope has given
birth to new ministry. New ministries demand higher devotion. Higher
devotion requires intentional discipleship.
On November 21, you
will have an opportunity to make your commitment to Christ's church
here in Hartford. During our worship service you will be invited to
offer your commitment card to God. Your commitment will join the
others and be given to God through the offering. We will celebrate
with you your new commitment of discipleship for 2005. We will pray
for your diligence, strength, and peace as you commit your "prayers,
presence, gifts, and service" to Jesus.
As you consider your
commitment to Christ for 2005, will you ponder these questions?
- How will you
support Christ with your finances? Will you commit a tithe (10%)?
Will you move toward a tithe? Can you give more than a tithe?
- How will you
support Christ through your service? Will you commit your time to
the ministry of this church? How many hours a month will you spend
in service?
- How will you
support Christ through your prayers? Who are the people that need
your Christian care?
- How will you
support Christ through your presence? Will you attend the worship
services here? Will you attend other worship services when you are
away?
As we plan for our
new year in ministry, it is important that you share your commitment
with us. We want to put you to work in the kingdom of God. We want
to be faithful stewards with your gifts, service, prayers, and
presence. We are planning for an exciting year with new ministries
for our children and youth. We are looking toward our physical needs
with the purchase of a new bus and a drive around our building. We
are excited about supporting a foreign missionary in Africa. These
new ministries are going to test our discipleship of time, prayers,
presence, and gifts. In fact, our proposed budget for all these
things (and more!) is $228,000.
Will you consider
making your commitment to Christ on November 21 with us? Stay around
and enjoy a great luncheon and celebrate the discipleship of the
Hartford First United Methodist church; celebrate YOUR COMMITMENT!
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