We support what we value.

At South Church we invest in our programs and ministries through pledges of financial support.  Our gifts are offered with joy and gratitude for the abundance of God's gifts to us.  In the context of our current pledge campaign, the theme "called to deeper waters" means working to deepen all aspects of our faith within the church and in our greater community.  Reflecting on this story from Luke's gospel  'When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Put out into deeper water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." When they had done this they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break;'  it is about moving away from shore and taking a risk.  In terms of giving, it is about making a pledge that feels like a stretch.   Just as the disciples went deeper into the water and were rewarded with more fish than they could carry, so we may anticipate being rewarded for our giving.  Not with fish . . .but with a vibrant community of worship, service and faith.

Love Our Neighbor-Riverbend

 Faith in Action chose one of our biggest neighbors for this month's Moment for Mission. The Beth Sweet Fund was established in 2003 by the Beth Sweet family here in Concord after Beth committed suicide. While savvy, fun and well-loved, she suffered from severe depression. This fund primarily supports the ancillary basic needs of adults with severe mental illness. Things range from winter hats and gloves to shoes and business clothes. Clients work with their care manager and treatment team who request items like gas vouchers, adult education classes or even social outings which help clients achieve the goals of their treatment plans.

Take Them a Meal: 

Scott and Kelly McPherson visited South Church on a Jazz Sunday and enjoyed it so much, they never looked back. Drawn in by the warmth of the community and opportunities to participate, they became members 10 years ago and dove into many aspects of church life. Their children attend church school and especially love Family Retreat on Pine Mountain. Kelly has helped with child care, ushering, and coffee hour. Scott joined the Council first as Member-at-large, became Vice President, and then President. During his term, the Council passed the current Church Investment Policy. He also worked on the Community Building Task Force.

Scott and Kelly completed their estate plan just before their older boys were born and made sure to provide for the family. However, recognizing the importance of planned giving in sustaining religious and other non-profit organizations, they have also named South Church as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy. They did this to remain part of the church beyond their lifetimes and to support the church in a different way. "South Church is an important part of our lives, and becoming members of the Legacy Society was the right thing to do," noted Scott and Kelly.

Thank you, Scott and Kelly, for strengthening South Church's foundation and helping to ensure its future.