Dear Members and Friends of Southminster,

I am writing this November primarily to say thanks. Thanks to everyone who increased regular giving; thanks to everyone who made a 3-year pledge to our capital campaign to say “It's Our Time”; thanks to everyone who hauled “stuff” out of the facility and into storage (twice!) so that we could renovate the building, and then moved the indispensable things back into the building when renovation was complete; and thanks to everyone who gave time, talent, and money—blood, sweat, and tears—to make Loving Hearts Learning Place a reality. We opened that new ministry to our community in August and already 45 children are enrolled! Every week a team of dedicated Christian teachers and caregivers seeks to demonstrate the love of Christ to the children of our community who have been placed in their care. And every week I am personally blessed, my spiritual batteries recharged, by the joyful way the children worship at chapel. All of this is only possible because you gave. Thank you! And thanks be to God!

2009 has been a year of demolition and construction. Hardly a program or aspect of our life together has been untouched by the chaos of this year, but with the completion of the renovation we are now well positioned to grow in faith, in love, in joy, and in numbers.

Last year we asked that you increase your pledge, if at all possible, so that Southminster could achieve the high goals we had set for 2009. You did, and we were able to achieve great things together. As you will see from the enclosed budget, we continue to need your support to address an anticipated budget deficit. However, mindful that you have increased your 2009 giving in the face of the most severe recession since the Great Depression, our appeal for 2010 is simply that you continue to give sacrificially—and thankfully and joyfully—as God makes it possible for you and your family. We especially ask that you prayerfully consider how you might increase your own participation in the life of the congregation. Let’s all give our all to the mission of making disciples this year! Consider volunteering your time and talents, commit to increasing your presence for worship, study and fellowship, and make a point to invite friends, neighbors and others who may be looking for a Church home to join us in our adventure in following Christ.

Together we can make 2010 a benchmark year at Southminster, a year in which we see significant growth. The stage has been set for some remarkable things to happen. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us.

Again, accept my heartfelt thanks, and may God bless you and your family always.

Grace and Peace,



Pastor Greg

P.S. Please return your pledge to the church by November 22 to assist us in our planning. If you have not yet made a pledge to the Capital Campaign and would like to do so now, please contact the church office for a special pledge card and envelopes.

Enc.. Preliminary 2010 Budget, Pledge Card.