PASTOR UPDATE, CORONAVIRUS LETTER 13

Our faith has been on display in a year that has tested us like none other.

December 2, 2020
Dear Members and Friends of FPC Moorestown,
 
As we come to the end of 2020, a year that is testing us like none other, let me remind you that following Jesus as a disciple requires making choices for Him. On a daily, even an hourly basis, a follower of Jesus must decide between fear and faith, disbelief and faith, bitterness and faith, despair and faith. Faith requires action. You could say that faith is action.

What is Faith?
What is faith? I’ll take Martin Luther’s definition. “Faith is a living, bold trust in God’s grace.” Luther beautifully expands on what such faith does to us and through us. “[Faith] makes us completely different people. It changes our hearts, our spirits, our thoughts and all our powers. It brings the Holy Spirit with it. Yes, it is a living, creative, active and powerful thing, this faith. Faith cannot help doing good works constantly. It doesn’t stop to ask if good works ought to be done, but before anyone asks, it already has done them and continues to do them without ceasing.”
 
In many wonderful and encouraging ways, you’ve been a faith-filled people throughout these unprecedented days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Week by week, your faith spurred you to giving generously to keep our doors open and our mission moving ahead. Your faith to this point has granted us the funding needed to keep our staff fully engaged and support our missions. Your faith prompted many of you to go and serve at our second Church Has Left the Building.
 
Your faith on display
Your faith has been on display in our 2021 stewardship season. At the time of this writing, we have received 180 pledges for a total of $1,441,700. As grateful as I am for the support we have received already from so many of you, these figures represent a decrease of 9% in number of pledges and 10% in total amount pledged compared to 2020. I know that some members have had to reduce their plans for giving next year because of the turmoil brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a few donors have passed away or relocated since our last stewardship season. As some donors naturally depart or have less resources to share, I urge any of you who are capable and have not yet done so to strengthen your faith and make a new or deeper commitment to share what God has given you.
 
We’re coming into the last weeks of 2020 and need giving to be as strong as it can be to finish the year without a shortfall and preserve resources for a very challenging 2021. Please act on your faith by continuing your strong financial support to the church. It’s been my hope and a subject of my own praying that we can end this year meeting our financial commitments and join hands to commit to a successful 2021 for FPC Moorestown.
 
I ask for your help by doing at least these four things as you are able:
  1. Join me in praying daily for God’s provision and guidance for our leaders. I’m devoting Thursdays to prayer and fasting, and I invite you to join me if your health allows.
  2. Keep current with your plans and promises for giving for this year. 
  3. Strongly consider making a special gift to help us meet our 2020 budget if you have the resources to do so.
  4. If you haven’t yet made an Estimate of Giving for 2021 or believe you could now make a further commitment, please do so — online, through our website or by contacting our office to receive an Estimate of Giving card.
 
Please remember that you can begin giving electronically by going to our church website fpcmoorestown.org and clicking on the “Give” link. If you need help please contact the church office at 856.235.1688.
 
In addition, as plans are being developed for three Christmas Eve services, the Special Christmas Green offering envelope was included in a recent mailing to households. Monies gifted as Christmas Green are utilized to support the operating fund of FPC Moorestown. Thank you in advance for your gifts to the church at this critical time of the year. A self-addressed envelope was also included for your convenience. Offerings may also be submitted electronically or through the Church Center app on your phone.
 
Faith, the Bible teaches us, pleases God. I give thanks for you and your faithfulness to the work and glory of God!
 
Yours in Christ,
Stuart H. Spencer, Pastor