The #IGiveUMC campaign encourages support for local United Methodist Churches and the ministries they offer through donations. Donors are encouraged to give to their local church in honor or memory of someone who has made a difference in their life and then express their appreciation on social media. Will you help share joy, kindness and gratitude? 

There are three goals for this campaign: 

1. Help local churches raise funds to support the ministry of their church 
2. Assist churches to increase social media engagement and awareness 
3. Inspire hopeful messages to honor/remember those who positively impact others 

Local churches make every effort to support the needs within their communities and rely on the generosity of the body of Christ. The #IGiveUMC campaign was designed to inspire and encourage appreciation for others while raising funds for local church needs. Seven specific celebrations were created and scheduled through the year, but we encourage you to not limit it to just these celebrations. Use the evergreen resources to celebrate all special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, baptisms, graduations and recognitions. Tying the campaign to a specific celebration will encourage participation because people are already seeking ways to honor loved ones on special occasions. Check out this video and other resources to see how you can get involved: IGiveUMC Campaign Resources.

#IGiveUMC is a proposed opportunity for Saint Matthews’ legacy members and our current church family and friends to contribute back to the church whether the reason stems from gratitude for their personal spiritual development; it is a fitting tribute that honors relatives or friends whose stewardship and service helped grow this church since 1866; unaffiliates can contribute; it would enhance our readiness to cover imminent structural/operational needs of our edifice; the program is a good idea; and our participation would provide the financial readiness needed for church growth in worship, witness and service to brothers and sisters in our community and world. If implemented, the program allows donors to gift church ministries or mission initiatives as well as enhances our online presence. Please read more about #IGiveUMC, ask questions and decide if you feel it is right for Saint Matthews. Remember, “YOU” are the church and a steward, your voice matters but most important–YOU DECIDE! 

The Stewardship Committee would appreciate your feedback by Homecoming Sunday, Sept. 17. Response cards will be provided for your use, so please insert your card in a depository box. Your feedback is important for future work. 

— This is a UMC PSA since 2020 and added to by the Stewardship Committee, Albertina McGirt, Chair 

Merriam-Webster defines “ally” as “one that is associated with another as a helper; a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity or struggle.” In recent years, the term has been adopted specifically to a person supporting a marginalized group.

Allyship requires hard work by people who are not self-centered, those willing to exercise good courage such as speaking truth to power relentlessly and as described in Matthew 23:23: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees; hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matter of the law, justice, and mercy and faithfulness.These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”

Whereas, tithing is the tenth we should give in all facets of our lives, it is not more important nor less important than servanthood.

What did Jesus say about tithing in Matthew 23:23? He warns against focusing too much on the rules of tithing without paying attention to the more important things like justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Bottom line? You should be giving in some way. A servant message beyond money is seldom heard in religious media today but our Stewardship Committee has started each campaign with this scripture verse since 2021. Advocating for the marginalized requires getting involved and in the words of the late congressman John Lewis, “Get into good trouble.”

Beware, sometimes advocacy is harder than just contributing money for causes, both are sorely needed. Becoming an ally means investing in issues you are passionate about in many ways.

• Learn what the church says. The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles on the Natural World is a great place to start. This section of our Book of Discipline sets forth the basic position of The United Methodist Church on important social issues, including global climate stewardship. Explore the climate justice websites and other resources provided by the United Methodist Board of Church and Society and United Women in Faith. As you explore these statements and ministries, share what you learn with your friends, church family, and community. Become An Informed Ally.
• Raise your voice by making your friends, church family and community aware of problems—then act on what you see. Apathy, inaction, and silence gets no ones’ attention let alone inspire people to resolve issues. Deliberately take on and embrace a proactive attitude and a can-do spirit with God’s help.
• Contact elected officials: Urge local, state, and federal officials to social issues that improve the lives of people and our physical environments. That may include attending a rally, making a phone call, or sending an email or letter and praying without ceasing—an ally who practices knee-ology.
• SMUMC’s Stewardship Committee challenges each individual church member to get involved and find ways you can be part of the solution. There is much to do and correct. Become active in our community and develop relationships with social conscious organizations that make a good difference.

Why? Biblically, it’s our responsibility, man’s covenant with God, so complete your worship and service forms.

In Genesis 1, God entrusts the earth to the care of human beings—you and me. As followers of Jesus Christ, we have a responsibility to preserve, protect, and care for what God has created including, human affairs, animal and plant life, the air, land, forestry, and water.

Today the Judicial and Legislative branches of government are in-fighting about converting the U.S. from a Democracy to Aristocracy using tools of deception, silencing certain citizens, and by creating unjust laws. We pray for God’s guidance, intervention, and protection. Even as we affirm the rights to assemble peacefully, vote freely and with integrity without intimidation or violent interference; top-heavy and resourceful forces rebel against what is just or right. We condemn the rhetoric from leaders inciting violence and division. We call on all to work for justice and the common good of the country and our democracy. We continue to pray for the healing of our nation. Please join me in praying these words from the Prayer in a Time of National Crisis (United Methodist Hymnal, page 517): Heavenly Father, May leaders be led by your wisdom; May they search your will and see it clearly If we have turned from your way, reverse our ways and help us to repent. Give us your light and your truth, let them guide us; Through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of this world, and our Savior. Amen.

Thanks for hearing our stewardship message and continue to praise God on this glorious Sabbath morning.

*Joe Iovino works for UMC.org at United Methodist Communications; contact him by email. This story was published Sept. 19, 2017, and adapted by Albertina McGirt. Stewardship Message: Become a UMC Social Justice Ally (Sept. 4, 2023)

Investigate what is happening to unused food from the school. Some schools have a “share table,” allowing the children to leave fruit, milk, and any other packaged food they choose not to eat so that it can be refrigerated and shared with a community feeding program. This practice helps with hunger, teaches caring for others, and reduces food waste, which is 40% of most landfills. When children learn this mindset, they bring it home too.

The Stewardship Committee will provide educational articles to promote understanding about the work of this ministry in July 2023. While Saint Matthews is a connectional church, there are limitations relative to performing all that is recommended by the United Methodist Church. The Stewardship Committee will consider all information and use tools that might work for our congregation.

As we proceed with Campaign 2024, please know that a lessened pandemic environment still exists, recovery may not return to 100%, and UMC funding as a denomination has decreased the last three years but not our church. In all facets of stewardship, we are called to serve, participate through use of our gifts, resources and advocacy, and be accountable. The UMC has advised all members to use eight principles for Campaign 2024 and they are presented without modification.

8 financial lessons for the post-pandemic church

By Lovett H. Weems Jr. and Ann A. Michel

1. KNOW YOUR GIVERS. Not every family or individual felt the economic impact of the pandemic in the same way. Some lost wages, jobs, or businesses. Others drew paychecks while working safely from home, reduced expenses, pocketed stimulus checks, and saw their retirement portfolios grow. Paying attention to your congregants’ economic circumstances and monitoring their giving patterns is not only a sound giving strategy, it’s a vital expression of spiritual and pastoral care. A one-size-fits-all approach didn’t make sense before the pandemic, and it makes even less sense now.

2. KEEP ASKING PEOPLE TO GIVE, BUT DO SO IN SENSITIVE WAYS. Some congregations simply assumed people couldn’t afford to give during the pandemic or felt it was inappropriate to ask in a challenging time. Such churches surely worsened their own financial plight. Even in the best of times, there will be those in your congregations on hard times due to illness, job loss, or family challenges. When inviting people to contribute, it’s important to signal that they are still valued members of the community. Simply say, “If you’re out of work or suffering a financial setback, this is our time to help. You’re always welcome at this church, even if you can’t make a gift at this time.” This lets everyone know the church is sensitive to people’s financial reality. And those who can give feel better doing so when they know their church cares about people’s financial reality.

3. EXTEND GENEROSITY EFFORTS BEYOND THE WALLS OF THE CHURCH. The COVID-19 shutdown was a dramatic illustration of the church’s dependence on place-based giving linked to worship. But traditional ways of cultivating generosity have, in fact, been waning in effectiveness for years. In a post-attractional era, when fewer and fewer people find their way into churches and even our regulars attend only a couple of Sundays a month, churches that don’t expand their generosity efforts are fishing in a smaller and smaller pond. A silver lining of the pandemic is that it forced churches, some decades behind the times with regard to electronic giving, to put systems in place quickly. Electronic giving has the potential to reach younger generations, occasional attenders, and even people who don’t yet attend church by leapfrogging beyond our traditional reliance on the pledge and the offering plate. But only if churches develop creative new ways of soliciting electronic gifts from those beyond the reach of Sunday services.

4. DEVELOP MULTIPLE STREAMS OF INCOME. In the post-pandemic era, many more churches will find it necessary to develop funding sources beyond tithes and offerings. Churches often see their financial circumstances through the lens of scarcity, failing to recognize assets and opportunities within their grasp. A more holistic approach to economic sustainability can involve greater creativity in deploying physical assets, seeking new partners and sources of support, and embracing more efficient ways of sustaining the church’s mission.

5. TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REASSESS EXPENSES. As the pandemic pause lifts and new patterns of ministry emerge, congregations have a unique opportunity to reassess programs and activities that were put on hold and ask: What needs to continue? What can be set aside permanently? What needs to be done differently? And what do the changes mean for staffing and building use patterns?

6. BE REALISTIC WHEN SETTING YOUR BUDGET. In tough times it’s tempting to boost the revenue side of your budget on the basis of wishful thinking, hopefully assuming that new members, higher giving, or lucrative fundraising opportunities will suddenly materialize in the next budget year. While we all work and pray for these developments, it’s not prudent to build a budget on the assumption that these things will come to pass. The most important principle of building a sustainable budget is to base your revenue predictions on predictable and recurring sources of revenue, which entails a careful analysis of past revenue trends and budget performance.

7. MAINTAIN A RESERVE FUND. The pandemic has underscored the importance of budgeting for a reserve fund and maintaining a reasonable cash reserve. Financial experts suggest that individuals and families maintain an emergency fund sufficient to cover expenses for three months, and churches should do the same. While no budget is disaster proof, your budget will be more resilient if you don’t live too close to the edge.

8. KNOW WHERE YOU STAND. Too often, churches are caught off guard when their financial circumstances change simply because they haven’t paid close enough attention to key indicators and trends. And by the time they realize what’s going on, their options for responding may be more limited. As we enter a new and uncertain period, it is more important than ever for churches to establish systems for monitoring key financial indicators (see 9 Questions to Assess Your Congregation’s Financial Health) and to gauge subtle changes in giving patterns (see the Congregational Giving Profile.) The pandemic was in some ways a wakeup call to face problems and opportunities that had existed long before the advent of COVID-19. The crisis has revealed areas of vulnerability and has increased the receptivity to change. Savvy church leaders will take this opportunity to create a healthier financial future for their congregations by managing resources wisely, engaging givers more effectively, and seeking creative new approaches to economic sustainability.

Saint Matthews’ Outreach Ministry needs your monetary donation to purchase backpacks/book bags and supplies for three local schools in our community: Gillespie Park Elementary, Swann Middle School and Grimsley High School.

In addition to financial donations, donors will be able to recognize an educator (in memory of or in honor of) and/or share a word of encouragement to the young person who will receive the backpack. A special note card will be placed in each backpack with the donor’s message. Donors are asked to provide some details about the educator and/or words of encouragement for the 2023-2024 school year. Please email Ramona Miller with your educator’s name and/or short message for the students. 

Please submit financial donations to Saint Matthews United Methodist Church via one of the following ways: 

• Saint Matthews UM Church website: https://stmattchurch.com/ 
• In person during the worship service
• Present the donation to one of the Outreach Ministry co-chairs, Ramona Miller or Cora Mathewson 

Please reference BOOK BAG DRIVE on your donation by listing it on your offering envelope, by placing it on the memo line of your check/money order or by selecting it on the church website. 

Only financial donations will be accepted. The committee will purchase the book bags and supplies in bulk. 

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It is also known as Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Independence Day and Black Independence Day.

Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19 that Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news the Civil War had ended and enslaved were now free. This was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation—which had become official Jan. 1, 1863. The Emancipation Proclamation had little impact on the Texans due to the minimal number of Union troops to enforce the new Executive Order. However, with the surrender of General Lee in April of 1865, and the arrival of General Granger’s regiment, the forces were finally strong enough to influence and overcome the resistance.

Later attempts to explain this two-and-a-half-year delay in the receipt of this important news have yielded several versions that have been handed down through the years. Often told is the story of a messenger who was murdered on his way to Texas with the news of freedom. Another is that the news was deliberately withheld by the enslavers to maintain the labor force on the plantations. And still another is that federal troops waited for the slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before going to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. All of which, or none of these versions could be true. Certainly, for some, President Lincoln’s authority over the rebellious states was in question. Whatever the reasons, conditions in Texas remained status quo well beyond what was statutory.

On Jan. 1, 1980, Juneteenth became an official state holiday in Texas, through the efforts of Al Edwards, an African American state legislator. The successful passage of this bill marked Juneteenth as the first emancipation celebration granted official state recognition. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday.

– Excerpts from juneteenth.com

Turn off the lights for the sake of fireflies, which flash to attract mates. However, with so much artificial light at night, they cannot see each other. If they cannot mate, they cannot make more fireflies. Let God’s “nightlights” shine. 

Stop throwing away trees at every meal. Instead use cloth napkins and simply throw them in the wash with another load. Patterned napkins will hide stains and lengthen the usable life of the napkins. Find some distinctive napkin rings to mark each person’s and reuse the napkins a day or two before washing. If you visit garage sales, you can likely rescue napkins and rings from being trashed. 

Weddings, graduation celebrations, holidays, get togethers—all are important, and all can produce lots of waste. The average American wedding typically dumps 400–600 pounds of trash into landfills. Choose alternatives to trashing: Collect and compost food scraps and compostable plates and utensils. Avoid paper and plastic, substituting glass or ceramic dishes, serving platters and silverware, which can be washed and reused.

The Endowment Scholarship Committee asks 2023 high school graduating seniors to apply for the Saint Matthews Endowed Scholarship. Eligible students must be admitted to an accredited 4-year college/university or 2-year community college. Applicants must be active members of Saint Matthews and currently involved in church programs and/or activities.

Applications may be obtained from Carolyne Burgman by email (see May 21, 2023, Sunday Bulletin for email address) and must be received by her or James Sibert by June 11. 

The Higher Education and Campus Ministry will honor members of the class of 2023 (i.e., high school, college and post-baccalaureate) during the 11 a.m. service on June 11. The deadline to submit information is May 21.

Please forward the following information, including a photograph of yourself — preferably in your cap and gown — to Carolyn Clarke (see Church Bulletin or Directory for email address/contact information) by May 21: 

• Name 
• School 
• Parents/Other 
• Degree 
• Future Plans 
• Activities (Church/School) 
• Honors