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Margery's Speech
Sunday, January 26, 2003
 

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Community Congregational Church, UCC
Billerica, MA
Special Church Meeting, January 26, 2003
Margery C. Williams, Consultant

 

     I congratulate you on taking steps to begin a Capital Campaign as the Community Congregational Church family. This is a big step, and I know you are both excited and apprehensive. In my experience at helping churches with fund raising over the last 10 years, I have found that campaigns are much more than just raising money and buildings, they are a tremendous faith-building experience in the church as well. I'd like to take just a few moments to tell you what really happens in a church capital campaign. These things I truly believe.

     The primary focus throughout the campaign is to serve God in Christ Jesus more fully. Everything we do -- our efforts, time, creativity, and our giving should be focused on praising God because this is our spiritual act of worship (ref. Romans 12).

     In the course of the campaign, we all need to pray for guidance, and reflect on the benefits we have received from God's hand through the work of Jesus and the ministry of the Holy Spirit through this community of faith. Now is not the time to make a giving decision. Wait for the process to unfold and see where you will be led by God. When I worked with the United Church of Christ in Burlington, the Campaign Chair said to all of us at the campaign's end "I have felt God's fingerprints all throughout this Campaign." And so it is.

     God has entrusted us to be stewards of the gifts placed in our care. Our use of those gifts will reflect our commitment and growth in Christ Jesus our Savior. God desires that we discover the joy of giving. We are not to give as a result of feeling our arm twisted to force us, or manipulate us, into submission. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: "God loves a cheerful giver." When we give in this fashion, we do so in a way that honors God, and we are able to be fully responsible to follow through.

     It is important to remember that every gift is significant in the eyes of God. Equal generosity and sacrifice are the basic guidelines, not equal amounts of pledges.

    I know I speak for Carol Darnley, my consulting partner in this campaign, when I say we look forward to working closely with all of you and experiencing the hand of God in Christ Jesus here in this church community, and in our individual lives.

God's blessings be with you all.

 

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