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Watch what it means when we say it only takes a spark!

Welcome to this overview of FUMC Starkville and our Stewardship Efforts this year. It Only Takes a Spark…..

Y’all, great things are happening. But it will take all of us to make this happen. Not every gift is equal. But every gift is equally important. As you consider your financial stewardship, I’d invite each of us to step up, just a little more. Each small step of faithfulness can make a huge difference!

As you well know, our church has weathered some storms these last few years, but I want you to know, and to hear, that we have done so very well, and we are almost through them. We have made some difficult decisions, but these decisions are showing fruit now. We were blessed to be able to live off our reserves (our rainy day fund, and that’s what it’s there for!) and now we are so very close to emerging from the storm.

And let me tell you what I believe is the way.

This year we project to spend about $100,000 out of our reserves. That sounds scary, but that is much less than we spend in 2025. So, let’s look at that number: $100,000. According to our records from 2025, we have approximately 130 “giving units” (individuals or families that give to our church).

Did you know the average cost of lunch here in Starkville is $15?

What if every giving unit in our church, once a week, not every day, brown-bagged it, or went home and ate lunch? And what if every giving unit took that $15 a week that is being saved and gave that to the church? You know what happened then?

Our deficit is erased. Gone. Poof. Done.

Friends, that’s how close we are. We can do this. It is right there. Imagine what we can do when this happens. Imagine the dreams we can dream, the things we can accomplish. It’s right there.

What’s for lunch? Financial freedom. I’d invite you to consider taking part in this in 2027. Or even start now!

Another thing I’d encourage you to consider is. On October 18, we are going to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our Sanctuary. We have been worshiping in this space for 100 years! On this Sunday, we are going to recreate a worship service from 1926. We’ll also have dinner on the grounds that Sunday, along with the chance to view some of our favorite artifacts up close. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we’d invite everyone in the church to donate $100 in honor of our 100th year! This gift will help us continue updating and improving our facilities. As we approach our 200th anniversary as a Church (2035), we will be able to continue to meet the needs of this community!

Together, we can do it. For the good of our church, and for the good of Starkville!