Tegether, We do great things

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. (James 1: 17, English Standard Version)

As Epworth’s annual stewardship outreach kicks off, our future appears less uncertain than it did a year ago. Challenges remain, to be sure. But we are confident that the Epworth tradition of rallying to meet needs as they arise is alive and well.

Within the past year-plus, unprecedented circumstances suddenly put a halt to in-person, congregate worship. Online worship became our “norm,” giving way to a time when it was supplemented by outdoor worship and, then, limited indoor worship. Today, we rejoice in our ability to accommodate more folks in live worship while continuing to engage those who participate virtually.

Epworth’s reach has expanded during these months of isolation, far beyond the borders of our county – beyond our state! In addition, our ministries have adapted and reinvented themselves in wonderful ways over the past year. The pandemic has brought us closer to our neighbors in need; it has produced blessings that are no surprise, given the resiliency and generosity of our church family.

Changes in how we worship and the economic impact of the pandemic have affected giving to the church. Thankfully, our expenses have been considerably lower as the building has been used much less frequently, though we had some new expenditures due to COVID protocols. Church leadership and staff have worked diligently to control expenses, and our ability to secure two Paycheck Protection Program loans through the Small Business Administration has helped stabilize our financial position.

Now, we face expenditures of $300,000 or more to replace our roof. Leaks have developed in several areas of our building, and this work needs to be done as soon as possible to prevent further damage and additional expense. This comes on the heels of a $250,000 upgrade to our extensive HVAC system in 2020. Our building opened for worship in April 2008. It may still feel new to us, but the structure and systems are starting to show signs of age.

Together, we have done great things!

Nearly six years ago, with winter approaching, the heating system failed in the Education Wing. Your generous contributions helped “keep our children warm.” When our mortgage payments became challenging around that same time, an appeal from a longtime member of the Epworth family for special giving to help meet those expenses produced great results. The three-year Imagine the Possibilities capital campaign, which is coming to a close this summer, has reduced our outstanding mortgage balance to about $300,000 – from $500,000 a year ago, $1.2 million three years ago and nearly double that total six years ago. The balance continues to decline each month. YOUR faithful generosity has made this happen!

As the mortgage balance declines further and evaporates within a few years, more funds are being freed up for ministry and for building projects that go beyond routine maintenance.

Together, we will do great things in the future!

Giving is an individual choice, of course, and we support any decision you make. If your past giving has not been based on a pledged amount, we ask that you prayerfully consider making that commitment for the next fiscal year (July 2021 through July 2022). Pledges assist us in budgeting expenses; they help us determine how much will be available each month to meet our financial needs. The commitment is more important than the amount, which of course will vary depending on resources and other obligations. If circumstances don’t allow you to meet your pledged commitment, we certainly will understand.

If you have pledged to Imagine the Possibilities and have fulfilled that commitment, we ask that you consider continuing to give that same weekly or monthly amount as part of your regular pledge. While finding ways to cover the cost of capital projects is critical, so is covering our regular, routine expenses.

Thank you for all the ways YOU are a gift to Epworth!

Blessings,
David Hagelin

Your 2021-22 Stewardship Campaign Team