Dear Chamblee First United Methodist Family,

Greetings, Beloved! In these first 100 days serving with you as your pastor, I have seen God at work in powerful ways. Together, we have celebrated the birth of new babies, the baptism and welcome of new members, and the sharing together at the communion table. We have responded generously and courageously to the needs of our neighbors in the wake of local and regional tragedy. We have celebrated the lives of seasoned saints who have finished their race and rejoiced with those who have picked up the mantel to continue the work of ministry they loved. Your lay leaders have championed our mission to make disciples and experience transformation. Our staff team worked tirelessly through a complex season of transition, and now, thanks to our Staff Parrish Relations Committee, Children’s Ministry Council, and Chancel Choir, our staff is complete, energized, and running hard for this congregation’s future!

Why do we do all of this? For the Love… of God, the Church, and the Mission.

Most likely, you are a part of this congregation because you have experienced love. If a member here, you have pledged your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness to live that love in the world. As we strive to #DoUntoOthers we will spend these next three weeks exploring how our experience of love fuels our ability to live lovingly and give generously.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a tremendous year of growth, vision-casting, and community engagement for our congregation, especially in the lead-up to our Bicentennial celebration in 2026. Therefore, in this final quarter of 2024, your leaders and staff are working together to set the financial goals and plans necessary to accomplish what God has called us to do.

To do their work faithfully, we as a congregation must prayerfully consider and boldly communicate the kind of financial support we intend to commit to this church and its mission for 2025. We accomplish this through a Pledge, a written commitment of the annual dollar amount you and/or your household intend to contribute to the work of the church for the coming year. As life and circumstances may change, so too may the actual amount you contribute. But your willingness to set a goal for your contribution helps our leaders set a transparent, faithful Operating Budget. I am excited to complete my first pledge card for my Chamblee FUMC family. I hope you will join me in this spiritual practice and practical support of our church.

You can make your pledge online or by completing a physical pledge card, available for download or in the sanctuary. Whichever you prefer, we ask that you submit your pledge either as part of the worship service on October 20 or at any time before November 15.

Additional information about stewardship, including Frequently Asked Questions and a copy of the Giving Philosophy for Chamblee First, are available at chambleeumc.org/give. If you’d like to speak with me directly about your questions, concerns, or hopes, my door is always open to you.

Thank you for being a part of the Chamblee First UMC congregation. I pray God’s blessings upon you and those you hold dear.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Blair Boyd Zant