The closer we got to Christmas, the more frequently they arrived in my mailbox. I’m not talking about the packages from Amazon, mind you (though there were a fair few of those). I’m not even talking about the festive Christmas cards (though it was a delight to open them each day). I’m talking about the requests and appeals for financial support, requests and appeals from literally dozens of charitable non-profit organizations.
I opened every envelope and read every appeal. There was one appeal inviting me to help protect precious wildlife, followed by another inviting me to join in the fight against human rights abuses. There was a colorful catalogue of animals I could “purchase” to help provide both food and livelihood for families in the developing world, followed by a colorful map indicating places where my donation would support more doctors and better health care. There were appeals from schools I had attended, churches I had served, and organizations I had supported in the past. Some included personal notes… others, inspiring stories… still others, complimentary address labels. By the end of December, the appeals comprised an impressive and imposing stack of direct mailings.
I have no doubt that you received many such appeals as well — appeals from organizations doing good work in God’s world, work you believe in, work you want to support. That’s why I am so grateful that in the midst of so many appeals, you responded to ours. You chose to give some of your valuable and hard-earned money to support the ministry and mission of Wesley Church. As the pastor of this incredible congregation, I am so grateful for the choice you made.
Here at Wesley, we seek to be “people blessing people” — that is, people who have known the blessing of God’s love and seek to make that blessing known to others in inspiring, meaningful, and tangible ways. Your donations make that possible. Your gifts help us to meet pressing needs, foster new insights, provide lasting hope, and embody the love of Christ. Your commitment enables us to be “people blessing people.”
With thanks and blessing,
Pastor Candy
