Commitment Season

This is the first in a series of letters relating to our commitment campaign for 2011:

One of the things the autumn season brings about in the life of the church is a focus on Stewardship.  It is fitting that the start of the programmatic part of the church year include such a focus because it is one of the first things that scripture itself addresses.  After God created the world, God created humanity in the image of the Divine.  Because we hold this image, we are given special responsibility to tend to the world that has been gifted to all of creation-  “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth" (Genesis 1:28, The Message).  When we acknowledge that all that we receive is a gift from God, we are then called to use that gift to bring about the fullness of all aspects of life.  Be it the spiritual life, an ecological life, or an economic life, we are called to use our resources wisely and generously to bring about the life abundant.

            However, when it came time to plan this initial Stewardship campaign, I kept feeling called to widen my range of vision.  Rather than simply calling for a recommitment of our financial stewardship, I felt it vital that we reaffirm the whole of our faith walk here at Independence United Methodist Church.  As such, I set about looking for models of a more holistic “commitment campaign.”  In doing so, I came across the membership requirements for Church of the Resurrection UMC in Leawood, KS.  This church, led by Rev. Adam Hamilton, has been one of the fastest growing Methodists churches in the country.  All who desire membership must commit to the following:

• To worship regularly.
• To continue to grow in your faith by participating in a small group study.
• To serve God with your hands, by volunteering in service to the congregation and the community and world.
• To give in proportion to your income.

In the next few weeks, we will be sending out testimonials from various members of our congregation about the vital role each of these areas plays in their life.  You will also receive a pledge card that will allow you to make commitments in each of these four areas of your faith life.  On November 21^st, we will be having at least seven new members make a commitment to the faith life of this church.  On that Sunday, I’ll ask you also to make a commitment as your return your pledge cards.  As we rededicate our selves and our faith life, I look forward to seeing the ways in which God will bring a new sense of vitality to all who make their church home at Independence UMC.

God bless you in your prayers and discernment,

Pastor Jared