Forever Forward 2026: A New Year's Message of Hope

In the early fall, a small group of church members faced the challenge of planning an annual giving stewardship campaign that would inspire our congregation to pledge support for a church in transition. We are a church with a rich legacy of courage to meet challenges and a church that, through her history, has extended that courage to challenge bigotry, racism, intolerance, and encounter the world with welcome and open arms. As in other times throughout our history, we were walking from internal conflict toward healing.

Our question was: “What reminders does this faith community need to engender hope and confidence in the future of this church?”

A month later, the answer began to emerge. Forty individuals demonstrated hope and confidence by agreeing to make phone calls and other contacts. Today, it is even clearer: one hundred forty-eight households share that same hope and confidence. You have responded—and responded generously! Together, you have pledged $1,053,892.00. You have fully subscribed to the budget submitted by the Deacons, which will be presented for congregational approval later this month! 

Thank you! Thank you for the powerful statement your pledge makes—that this church will continue her commitment to sustain our momentum, moving Forever Forward in our commitment to God’s call to love our neighbors and support one another. We are doing this by reaching out to our neighbors, continuing to worship together, re-establishing a strong program of Christian education, responding to the glaring needs we see in the world around us, loving and accepting each other, and stepping into responsibilities for doing the Work of the Church. 

THANK YOU! 
Jay Rivers • Eddie Belle • Mike Bowen • Lauren Campbell • Cindy Clemens • Bob Thomason • Tillie Tice 

P.S. If you share this hope and confidence but missed the year-end deadline to be counted in this announcement, you can still join this band of support! 

Call the church office and leave a voicemail for Judy Freeman or email her at . Let Judy know you wish to show your support for this church.