Christmas in July
and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes,
the one-of-a-kind glory,
like Father, like Son,
Generous inside and out,
true from start to finish.
John 1:14 (The Message)
Friends,
Refreshing rain has fallen on the soil and our city, and for that we are thankful. Blooms, restoring green and growth can be seen as an almost instant response to the rain. July is mid-summer and mid-year, so I imagine Christmas carols are far from most of our minds and not likely the soundtrack of your car rides this week. Our Hymns of Faith Series brings the Christmas Season to us in worship this Sunday in O Little Town of Bethlehem and a sermon from Matthew 2:1-18. There is no chance for snow, but it is never the wrong season to celebrate the invasion of hope in the birth of Jesus.
Linked here, you will find our financial update for the end of the second quarter. As has been the trend lately, it is good news. Halfway through the year we are near our budgeted revenue and can also celebrate increased attendance in worship, professions of faith and baptisms! In addition, we are current on our connectional commitments/apportionments.
When we plan our year, we know we can count on University people to be generous during the Christmas season and at year end. Like last year, we are asking you to consider bringing that same Christmas generosity to July. It is an enormous blessing in the summer when folks who are able give above and beyond to help offset some of the seasonal slowdown that all churches experience.
If you have been considering taking the next step in your investment in University’s mission and ministry, if you are willing to become a regular giver, or if God has blessed you through the worship and work of this place, please join me in celebrating Christmas in July by giving generously this season. There are many ways to give: online through our church website or APP, via text or in worship. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our financial director, Debbie Vignes, , or to me,
Refreshing grace has fallen on University in these days. Blooms, restoration and growth can be seen in response. I am grateful to God for His grace and to serve among the people of University who are so open to the outpouring of his grace.
Merry Christmas,
Pastor Ben