Dear Faithful Ones,

I continue to feel incredibly blessed and honored to be your pastor as God continues to lead us in life and ministry together.

At this time, we are at a critical point in our life together as a church. Within the past five years we have come through some very difficult times—a pandemic, denominational split, and economic changes as a country. But, with faith we have continued to survive. I have always trusted God’s leading in change, but the realities are before us, that we are different because of these changes.

The financial future and health of this vital church is weighing heavily on my heart, as well as those who volunteer their time to oversee the managing of monies given. As we move forward with hope, we are prepared to make some tough decisions regarding the financial health and stability of our financial future. As the fall progresses, and in light of the urging in Pastor’s messages to say, “I Will,” members and friends of the congregation are challenged to prayerfully be “All In” with their giving and their support of the church’s ministries and outreach.

God encourages us in the book of Malachi 3:8-10:

“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.

We are challenged to trust God more deeply as God opens the floodgates of heaven to bless this church and the many ways it is helping to change lives.  

From a financial perspective, we are currently relying on money from the yard sale to make our budget. For many years, we have had the luxury of having funds to support missions and outreach, of tithing on all funds that come in, but things are very tight right now, and we will work very hard to continue to honor God by caring for those who are placed before us.  Our many ministries continue to thrive—from the Food Pantry to the hosting space for the Geneseo Parish Outreach Center, outside groups on our campus, to our Good Grief lunches, Anxiety Support Group, Bazaar Ladies, Choir, Praise Band and Music Ministries, Missions and Soup Suppers.

As you consider your pledge for 2026, regardless of whether you have given in the past, we encourage you to take the next step and move up one step in your giving from where you are right now. Or, if possible, consider taking two or more steps.

Our goal for pledged giving in 2026 is $195,000. Please take some time to prayerfully consider your commitment in the coming year. Then, bring your completed pledge card to worship with you on Sunday, October 26, when we will present and dedicate our commitments. If you cannot attend, please return your pledge card to the church office as soon as possible.

I can’t think of a better way to close than by sharing a quote by St. Francis of Assisi, who, besides being an animal lover, had a keen sense of life and working with people. He said, “Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” We have already taken a first step; we have been doing what is necessary. Next, we will step into what is possible. And then, soon, we will be stepping toward what we might, today, see as the impossible!”

I am beyond grateful to each person who makes the ministry of Geneseo United Methodist Church possible not only through your financial stewardship but also by your faithful and generous sharing of your time and talents. I eagerly anticipate the year ahead as we take the next step(s) together in ministry.

If you choose to pledge online, please go to our Stewardship Page or use the QR code below. If you would like a paper form, copy and print the one below , or you can get one from an usher at church on Sunday. If you have any questions or concerns about pledging, please reach out to our Finance & Stewardship Chairperson, Doug Meyer at dnmeyer@frontiernet.net.

Sincerely yours,

Pastor Beth

PS Check out our “I Will” brochure below for ways you can give of your time and talents!