Faith Without Works is Dead

Dear Friends in Christ,

On commitment Sunday, November 12, not only will we be dedicating our estimates of giving for 2024, but we are asking our congregation to make November 12, “Bring a Tithe Sunday”. Bring a tithe is an exercise in giving where we expand our giving to give 10% of our income for one week. Let’s not only expand our commitment to the work of Christ through the church in 2024 but also expand our giving to bring a tithe on November 12. 

Fall Festival was a huge success! Despite the weather, we had over 700 people come through the doors of Stonebridge UMC! It was so fun to watch all the kids have fun. It was even more fun to watch our volunteers get excited about the crowd of people who filled the Robertson Activity Center. Thanks to all our volunteers who made this possible. I hope you had as much fun as I did. Special thanks go to Sandy Tutwiler for her leadership in coordinating this event. 

This Sunday is our annual All Saints Sunday. It is the day we remember loved ones and members who have gone to be with the Lord since last November. There will be a special time of remembrance and candle lighting during the service when we will not only remember those saints but all the other saints that have gone before. We are the church because of the host of saints who have gone before us. We stand on their shoulders as followers of Jesus. 

I will be preaching on James 2:14-20 and Romans 12:1. These passages lead us to consider the difference between faith (our acceptance of and salvation through Christ) and action (living as a disciple of Christ). James goes so far as to say, “faith without works is dead”. These are hard words for us, and hopefully my sermon will help us unpack who we are as followers of Jesus Christ. 

Finally, let me emphasize the importance of considering your giving for 2024. In the next week, each member will be receiving information about making a commitment or estimate of giving for 2024. This is of vital importance to the health and future of our church. 

As your pastor, I am committed to working with our leaders to make sure Stonebridge UMC is financially stable. Every gift makes a difference – large and small. Join me in prayerfully considering increasing your giving for 2024. I have been praying that we will see a 10% increase in the giving patterns of Stonebridge UMC. With the work our leadership has done on the budget and expenses, this would put us in great shape to invest even greater amounts into the lives of those who need the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as “we seek to be a joyful community where we strive to live and love like Jesus."

Pastor John Allen