Thank You!

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Greetings in the Name of our Lord,

Happy New Year!! 

Thank you for all you do for Stonebridge United Methodist Church!

2024 was a great year of renewal for Stonebridge UMC. We have seen renewed energy in every area of our ministry for Christ. Stonebridge is blessed with a host of volunteer servants. These servants are making our renewal possible with high commitment and dedication to our mission and vision. 

Here are some of the highlights:

  • Worship – 30% increase in worship attendance over 2023

  • Children – Participation in Sunday morning children’s church has doubled in 2024

  • Children – Refurbished, dedicated space for Sunday morning children’s ministries with rooms designed for learning and fun

  • Youth – Participation has increased 40% over 2023

  • Youth – Expanded student ministry offerings to Sunday evening activities and Wednesday evening Bible Studies 

  • Adult Studies – We have seen a significant increase in our adult small group participation 

  • Building and Grounds – Volunteer-led landscaping project has greatly increased the walk-up appeal for our Sunday worship 

  • Almost 150 of our members and staff participated in home listening sessions we called "Making Stonebridge Unstoppable". 

This Sunday, we begin a sermon series based on the work of Ken Blanchard in his book Lead Like Jesus: Lessons from the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time. Blanchard examines the example of Jesus' leadership by using the metaphors of the heart of Jesus, the head of Jesus, the hands of Jesus, and the habits of Jesus. 

This week's message looks at the heart of Jesus’ leadership. Jesus led with a servant's heart. To lead like Jesus is to have the heart of Jesus – the being, the priorities, the values, and the direction of Jesus. Jesus put his ego aside to lead as one who serves first. 

Food drive January 5th -12th For the next two Sundays, we will be collecting food items to help Gabe Jones with his Boy Scout Eagle project. These food items will be used to help Grace Place Ministries. Donations can be left in the receptacles at each worship entrance. 

In 2025, let’s take the next steps in building momentum for Stonebridge UMC. I believe God has a plan for the future of Stonebridge UMC. The work will never be complete, but God will provide the guidance and resources for the task ahead. Join me in following where God is leading. As we strive to be all that God has called us to be… 

  • Let us pray diligently for God’s direction and wisdom.

  • Let us work for unity in all things.

  • Let us increase our efforts to reach this community for Christ.

  • Let us give God all the glory for what is happening here.

I pray that you will join me in looking to God for our future. I believe that together with God, we can accomplish anything. It will never be easy, but the presence and power of the spirit of God is with us.

See you Sunday!

Pastor John Allen