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| Witnesses to Great Things"This Jesus God raised up, and of that all of us are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you both see and hear." - Acts 2:32-33 (from Peter's sermon on the day of Pentecost) Dear Friends: I have been thrilled, inspired, and moved by the way the people of our church have initiated and responded to the "Down with Debt" campaign. God is good, and this congregation is a prime example of God's goodness! I'd like to share Susie V.'s tribute to her mother, Josephine, and her explanation of why she gave to debt reduction in her mother's memory. Here is what Susie wrote: "My mother was a tried and true member of the Roman Catholic faith. I remember her telling us about the time she was "slapped with the Spirit" in Italy as a three year old on a family visit. Although she wasn't a participant in many of the parish activities, we kids were all raised to faithfully attend church on every Sunday and Holy Day observance, to participate in our parish's version of Sunday school and youth groups and to contribute monetarily as we could. Simply, I was raised as a Christian that supported her church and other Christians." "As an adult I've moved away from my mother's religion but her values stay with me. And apparently, also with my sister, who converted to another religion during her college years. We were discussing our tax situations for last year and she mentioned she tithed on the distribution we have already received from our mother's estate. That comment started me thinking that right now PB UMC needs monetary support more than ever to overcome the debt and move on to a debt free future. Donating to my church seemed the perfect use of my mother's savings. The donation is in honor and memory of my mother because she did a great job of raising me and it's for my church family who does a great job of supporting me now." Each and every gift, from the smallest to the largest, represents thought, prayer, dedication, and faith. I am thankful for every giver, and for the way God's Spirit works among us to call for the leadership and generosity. The debt elimination initiative is only one of many dreams and visions emerging within our community of faith. Our confidence can be greater than ever that if we seek God's will, God will truly guide us. I look forward to Pentecost Sunday, May 15, when we will engage in a ceremony that Harrell H. refers to as "burning the mortgage." Truly, God has done great things, and we are witnesses! Blessed by you in God's Spirit, Pastor April |
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