ST. Matthew's United Methodist Church

Dear St. Matthew's Church Family:

As you probably know, we are in the middle of our yearly stewardship series.  This year we are looking at Jesus’ teaching about “Treasures in Heaven.”  From Jesus we learn that we should not store up treasures on earth, but rather store up treasures in heaven.  We follow Jesus when we value eternal treasures such as God, other people, deeds of love and our souls more than earthly treasures such as money, possessions, and status.   The earthly treasures are temporary as are our lives here on earth, the heavenly treasures are eternal.

Enclosed with this letter is an “ESTIMATE OF GIVING” card for 2012 which will be collected during worship on October 23^rd and October 30^th.  On the back of the card is a chart to help with your estimate of giving.  There is also a sample explaining how to complete your card.

Your estimate of giving to the church's General Fund enables our church leadership to plan the ministries and programs for our church in the coming year. It requires prayer, service, and money to fulfill our mission to REACH SEEKERS, BUILD BELIEVERS, and SERVE THE WORLD.  Our staff salaries and benefits, our worship and music programs, our children's and youth ministries, and our outreach, fellowship and evangelism programs are all supported by our General Fund, as well as the costs of routine operating expenses such as electricity bills and building maintenance.

As a United Methodist Church, 15% of St. Matthew’s giving is earmarked for apportionments paid to the Virginia United Methodist Conference for state, national and global ministries.  85% of our giving to the General Fund is earmarked for St. Matthew’s missions and ministries.  

Also, please prayerfully consider giving to the Facilities Maintenance Fund created about 12 months ago.  This Fund is needed for non-routine repairs and replacements for the church, the fellowship hall, the parsonage and the Spiritual Life Center.  100% of this Fund is used for St. Matthew's physical plant needs.

Each of us should give what we have decided in our hearts to give.  God loves a cheerful giver and has promised that if we give unselfishly we open ourselves to the floodgates of God's love and blessings.  What an awesome promise!

Thank you for your devotion to Christ and to the ministries of St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church. My prayer is that you are growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ through your participation in the ministry of our congregation.

In Christ’s name,

Rev. Gordon K. Pruitt