Dear Friends,

When the unexpected arrives, what do we do? Do we face it head-on, find solutions? St. Paul’s has faced this in many ways. Our congregation, once very large, has shrunk, a toll from the changing character of the neighborhood plus the city’s growth was farther away, and the challenge of leadership changes within the congregation. And yet, small but mighty, today we are again on a path of growth! Fueled by capitalizing on our strength to be like family, like a beloved community.

St. Paul’s has faced the woes that come with an aging building. And yet, small but mighty, we cope. Last Sunday, a water leak in an old pipe forced us to turn off the water and have worship elsewhere. We recommended worshiping with our sister con-gregation, First UMC. The water leak was a relatively easy fix – and we were back open quickly.

But yet, other “old building” woes are bound to creep up on us. Which brings me to a plea. When we talk about offerings, we focus on our ministries and mission. Rightly so! But, let us not forget the roof over our heads and the pipes in our build-ing need a little love too. Can you spare a little extra each week to cover these costs? Maybe just a $1 or $5 more, or a percentage if you prefer? Or, maybe you are moved to make an extravagant extra-mile gift?

Together, we can and will stew-ard the care of our building, keeping it as a beacon of hope for this neighborhood. When you think of St. Paul’s UMC, thank God for its presence, its service to the neighborhood, its fellowship, its witness to the love of Christ. And don’t forget to pray for it, but also for our neighbors and our beloved community.

God bless you and may God bless our ministry,

Sincerely,

Pastor Donna Goltry