This year our church, Belmont UMC, decided to commit its annual Christmas Miracle offering to the Malawi UMC. Church members were encouraged to spend less of their Christmas budget on presents and donate the money saved to the Miracle Offering. The goal was to raise $30,000 to be used for building 10 churches in Malawi.
Friends, it is with great joy that we share some news with you. The following email was sent this morning.
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Last Sunday, we had an opportunity as a congregation to celebrate the Christmas Miracle offering to build churches in Malawi. For me, it was incredibly beautiful and moving to hear the prayers brought back from Africa by Ciona Rouse, to understand more about Malawi through the words of Linda Johnson, to see Belmonters bring forth their prayers and offerings to the African baskets, to hear the African music led by the choir and to listen to the dedication of our offering through the personal prayer of Sue Mather. I am pleased to announce that to date we have raised $45,634. In these uncertain economic times, to say that charitable giving can be difficult is an understatement. However, Belmonters stepped up and gave generously and extravagantly to spread the heart of God and the compassion of Jesus to our brothers and sister in Malawi. Thank you for your prayers and your offering. It grows the partnership between Belmont and Malawi. It provides shelter to congregations worshiping in Malawi. It gives villages a place to teach children and the United Methodist Women of Malawi a gathering spot to grow in their faith. It allows countless acts to take place to improve health and community development. In these times, your determination and selflessness mean so much to our church as we strive to be the church in the village serving God’s global village. Thank you.
Peace,
Anna Cramer, Outreach Committee Chair
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With that, we wish you all a Merry Christmas!!
