Devotionals Detail

Reading: Exodus 35:20-29

“FMUMC has helped us grow our faith tremendously this year through Men’s Ministry, Bible Study, and just showing up for worship every Sunday. We love FMUMC!”

“We have been blessed in ways seen and unseen by the prayers and conversations of love and concern in a year that has brought tragedy and sadness. We have been reminded through this congregation that God has not forgotten us.”

“Meeting more members of our church family not only inside the walls but beyond our doors.”

“God brought joys of peace and happiness from family changes and from being a part of more church activities.”

“By removing things that, in turn, brought our family back to our core values and beliefs.”

“This has become my home because of the members who are so warm, welcoming, and deep in faith.”

This is what some of your fellow church members have shared about how they have grown in faith this year through FMUMC. As we read the leaves growing on our foyer trees, we are reminded that this church is truly changing lives. Through the relationships, prayers, presence, and witness of this congregation, people are growing in their understanding of who God is and how God is at work in their lives. Whether you realize it or not, you have been part of that story.

This Sunday is known as Commitment Sunday in the life of our church. It is a day when we bring ourselves as an offering to God, making our commitments of financial support for the ministry and mission of the church in 2027.

This is an important moment for our congregation, and every person's participation matters. The focus is not the amount of money given, but the willingness to offer ourselves to God. Every contribution makes a difference, and together our gifts enable us to be the church God is calling us to be. Without each person's participation, we cannot fully accomplish the work God has set before us.

Our Scripture reading from Exodus recalls the building of the sanctuary, as each tribe brought what they had to contribute. The Israelites became so committed to God's purpose that they continued bringing gifts until Moses finally told them:

“The people are bringing much more than enough for doing the work that the LORD has commanded us to do.”

Exodus 36:5

Wouldn't you love to hear a stewardship message like that? I know I'd love to preach one!

The truth is that when every person offers who they are and what they have- their time, talents, and treasure- we discover that more than enough is provided. God has already given us everything we need to do the faithful work before us. The question is whether we are willing to offer ourselves so that work can be accomplished.

Our goal is for all 331 member households to participate. As you prepare for Commitment Sunday, please prayerfully consider how God is calling you to share your financial gifts in support of the church's ministry. In addition, I invite you to spend time with the attached guides, prayerfully reflecting on how God may be calling you to offer your time and talents as well.

Together, as we bring our gifts before God, may we discover the joy of generosity and the blessing of participating in God's work through FMUMC.

Pray over your offering your treasures here:

Pray over the offerings of your talents here:

Pray over offering your time here:

As you discern God’s guidance, please bring your commitment cards on Sunday for a special opportunity to dedicate them to God in worship. We will pray over them together, in the assurance that God has given us all we need as we offer ourselves.

PS – If you would prefer to make your financial commitment online, please do so at this link.