Stewardship Sunday is almost here! I hope your pledge card arrived intact and that you are ready to bring it to church Sunday. If the mail failed and your card did not arrive, do not fear.  We will have extra cards available on Sunday.

If you are one who received a pledge card and can’t decide what your pledge should be, here are some thoughts from one who has sometimes been there.

• If you have never pledged before and don’t know where to start, start somewhere. Beginning is the important part.
• If you face uncertainty and are fearful of making a commitment, be assured that a pledge is also called an estimate of giving. If your circumstances change, you can change your pledge.
• If you want to tithe but cannot fit that into your budget, consider increasing your pledge by one percent of your income each year until you reach your goal. 
• If you give regularly but have never pledged, consider making a pledge this year. It will help your church leadership plan for the future.

The past few Sundays we have heard witness to some important ministries of our church. Your faithful and generous giving is what makes those ministries happen.  

In his letter to us in October, Jack quoted 2 Corinthians 9:7-8: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly.” I can think of no better words as we make our commitments to help support the mission of this great church.

I’ll see you Sunday. If you cannot attend this Sunday, you can mail your pledge card to the church office or complete one online. Pledging online, in fact, allows you to automate your giving with regularity, which helps if you have to travel regularly or if you have moved away from Macon. And I hope you’ll worship online with us too!

Melissa Anderson

Stewardship Committee Chair

A Bicentennial Moment

In anticipation of Mulberry’s upcoming Bicentennial Celebration in 2026, the Leonard Hill Cochran Historical Room presents a moment of Mulberry history.

On August 7, 1952, Anthony Hearn, Pastor, informed the Board of Stewards that Mulberry’s Annual Conference reported the following:

• 26 babies had been baptized
• The total of new members was 128
• Total Mulberry membership was 2,417.
• Church School enrollment as 1,477
• Sunday School enrollment was 1,335 with the average attendance each Sunday at 650.
• The Women’s Society of Christian Service had 326 members.