First of all, thank you so much to everyone who volunteered for the NC State Fair! We are beyond thankful for you, and we made a short video to say just that. Watch it here!
But I want to take a second to talk about the opportunity that follows this massive effort.
Because the church doesn’t raise money for the sake of raising money.
Everything we do is for the glory of God!
And I believe God is glorified when the gifts we've been given become blessings in the lives of other people.
Think about what that looks like in our community. It looks like a caregiver receiving diapers for their baby. Children having food on the table during summer break. Teachers being encouraged, neighbors finding friendship, and people discovering a community where they are loved.
These things happen because people give their time, energy, resources, and gifts to something bigger than themselves.
That's what excites me about this moment at Knightdale UMC. We've spent a lot of time this year discerning our vision: To serve as a heartbeat in the community so all feel connected and worthy of love.
And we've started saying something else together: Love Louder. Connect Deeper.
Those aren't just words for a T-shirt or a wall. They're invitations to put our resources to work. To ask how every dollar raised, every hour volunteered, and every gift shared can help someone experience God's love in a meaningful way.
The State Fair fundraiser is over, but the ministry it makes possible is just beginning. And I can't wait to see what God does with the generosity of this congregation.
Next Sunday, we're beginning a new worship series called Tithes & Offerings & Other Miracles.
For three weeks, instead of starting with what the church needs from you, we're going to talk about what God is already doing through you. We'll hear stories of people finding connection, experiencing love, and encountering Jesus.
Because the miracle isn't simply how much we can raise.
The miracle is what God makes possible when we offer what we have.
I hope you'll join us!
From my heart,
Rev. Steph Margeson
