December 14, 2021

Greetings Dearborn First UMC family and friends,

During this season of Advent, we reflect on the past with some fond memories and look forward to the future with hope. It is in that spirit of preparation and shared vision that we reach out to you.

2021 saw positive impact despite COVID

We celebrate the many ways in which our ministries, supported by your financial gifts, have made a positive impact in our community in the last year: 

• Important updating of our facilities brought about the new Wesleyan Hall, which has already hosted:

  • Social gatherings, bible studies and book club

  • A secure nursery, Sunday school and youth program

  • The new Dearborn Toy Library and our first in-person JFON immigration clinic since pandemic

• Community outreach blossomed despite COVID restrictions

  • Volunteers from Reconciling Justice Team reached out to others at Motor City Pride

  • Children’s ministries welcomed the community at our first Lenten StoryWalk

  • More than 500 people attended our Trunk or Treat event 

  • The creation of a Response Team and launching refugee assistance exploration strengthens our community involvement with other organizations

• Investment in technology and communications boosted connection with God and each other

  • Livestream capabilities not only maintained, but increased our reach to those wishing to worship

  • Investment in Zoom and web capability allowed for our first Lenten Author series, coffee chat after church, sermon chats and Disciple Bible Study, as well as enabled the business of the church through regular meetings and charge conferences online

More good things to come in 2022

We look forward to programming that will increase our awareness of racial justice, our responsibility toward the environment, and future opportunities for worship, fellowship and study. We’re excited about ministries that will continue to engage our children, youth, and their families. We will further our work with Dearborn Area Interfaith Network to build a community of faith and justice for future generations.

Faithful giving sows seeds of ministry

In order to better connect, care and serve, our church leadership has strived to set budgets that reflect our vision for mission and ministry throughout the past year, and for future ministry — both in the short and long term.

Working through COVID has been a challenge. Despite welcoming seven new members since the start of the pandemic, the separation has affected our attendance and connection to church life, impacting our giving as well. We have had to dig deep into our reserves and we are still $70,000 shy of meeting our 2021 budget. 

Following our recent stewardship campaign, 70% of those making a pledge had increased their giving for next year. This is an exciting response! We celebrate and thank those who prayerfully and faithfully continue to support the church through financial giving. 

Recognizing that bit of good news, we still need to close the gap on this year’s budget and faithfully look at how we can give sacrificially to fulfill next year’s budget. 

So we can continue with mission and ministry, here are 2 things we’re asking you to do as part of our church community:

1. Help us close the budget for this year by giving a gift beyond your regular giving. 

2. Consider giving sacrificially for next year’s budget. If you haven’t made a pledge, you can still do so. If you have pledged, consider making an extra gift in 2022.

You can make both a gift, and/or your pledge online at dearbornfirstumc.org/give. 

You can also send in your pledge card, and/or your check payable to Dearborn First UMC, and mail it to the office (22124 Garrison St., Dearborn, MI 48124) or drop it in the offering plate during Sunday morning worship. A pledge card is attached to this email, so you may download, print, and complete it by hand. 

Dearborn First UMC’s future is exciting and CAN be realized!

The time has come for us to reflect on what DFUMC means to us, to draw on our foundational history and presence in the community, and to believe that with God’s help, we can build a community of faith and justice for future generations. 

Please prayerfully consider how you might  give generously between now and the end of the year to help narrow the current budget gap.  Please also consider your pledge for 2022 so that we can fulfill our vision for mission and ministry, as we continue to connect, care and serve well into the years ahead.

Together in service with you,

Pastor David Nellist

Richard Anderson, DFUMC Finance Team Chairperson