SERMON FROM FEBRUARY 8
GRACE UPON GRACE PART 2, SERMON FROM FEBRUARY 15
Dear Church Family,
Grace upon grace. That's what we've experienced together this past year at First UMC.
You've shown up. You've prayed. You've given generously. You've served with joy. You've invited neighbors and shared your faith. Through your faithful participation in our church's ministries, children have been fed, homes have been made accessible, community members have received health care, and lives have been transformed by Christ's love. You have made an impact. Last year, for example, our church had its second largest worship reach in its history. We welcomed more new members, with more people professing their faith in Christ than we have in years. We added many new ministries and made a huge impact on the children of New Braunfels, flood relief in Kerrville, and ministries around the world through your giving of your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
You've shown up. You've prayed. You've given generously. You've served with joy. You've invited neighbors and shared your faith. Through your faithful participation in our church's ministries, children have been fed, homes have been made accessible, community members have received health care, and lives have been transformed by Christ's love. You have made an impact. Last year, for example, our church had its second largest worship reach in its history. We welcomed more new members, with more people professing their faith in Christ than we have in years. We added many new ministries and made a huge impact on the children of New Braunfels, flood relief in Kerrville, and ministries around the world through your giving of your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.
As we enter 2026, I'm asking you to thoughtfully complete the linked commitment form. This isn't just about budgets or programs—it's about how you'll continue to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ and participate in what God is doing through this church. We have a lot of plans to reach wider and deeper proclaiming the grace of God.
How will you commit to prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness in the coming year?
Thank you for being part of this community that is truly centered on Christ in the center of New Braunfels.
With gratitude,
Pastor Andrew
Pastor Andrew
MY COMMITMENT
A church is a community united in our belief that God has called us to the be part of his Kingdom. Following the teachings of Jesus we keep it simple - Love God. Love People. Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. When you join the United Methodist Church, you commit to support the church with prayer, presence, gifts, service and witness. This year we are asking you to renew that commitment for:
- Prayers – We lift up our church, our community, and our world in prayer, knowing that prayer deepens our relationship with God and connects us to one another.
- Presence – We gather for worship, small groups, and fellowship, because faith grows best in community. Our presence encourages others and reminds us we're not alone.
- Gifts – We share our financial resources to support the church's ministry and mission, trusting that God calls us to be generous stewards of all we've been given.
- Service – We use our time and talents to serve God by serving others, both within the church and in the wider community, living out Christ's love in practical ways.
- Witness – We share our faith through word and action, inviting others to experience God's grace and pointing toward the hope we have found in Christ.
These five practices aren't burdens—they're avenues of grace that deepen our discipleship and lead to fuller life in Christ. They are how we express grace upon the grace God show us.
If you attended Sunday morning services on February 8th, you should have received a stewardship booklet, and your commitment card is on the last page of the booklet. You might also have been mailed a stewardship booklet from the church. Return the commitment card at church in person for a gift, or you can fill out the form linked above.
