Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It continues to be an honor to minister with you as we share the hope of Christ from the heart of High Point as we worship, connect, and serve.

This year’s stewardship campaign is titled Thriving and focuses on four themes:

1. Good stewardship begins with an organization that is trustworthy,
2. Good stewardship builds upon a mission that is clear and forward-moving,
3. Stewardship is less about what we give than it is about who and whose we are, and
4. Giving should not reduce our lives as much as complete our lives.

I give thanks for those in church leadership, their Christian character, and their passion for serving Christ.  I also give thanks for the ways we live out and live into our commitment to the mission of The United Methodist Church (making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world) and the mission of First UMC (sharing the hope of Christ from the heart of High Point as we worship, connect, and serve).

We, like other churches, have faced some challenges this year. Yet we have continued moving forward with our mission and ministries. Basin & Towel, A Shared Blessing food pantry, The Good Shepherd Clothing Closet, Appalachia Service Project, our monthly community meal, backpacks for Northwoood Elementary School, and other ministries continue sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. More than 100 people each week are attending Sunday Table, which offers “one stop shopping” for all ages with a light meal, and discipleship opportunities. Thanks be to God, and you, for all of this.

We are doing much, but much remains to be done if we and the Kingdom of God are going to reach full potential. Prayerfully consider how God is calling you to support the ministries of First UMC. Ask God how you can use your gifts to “share the hope of Christ from the heart of High Point.” Ask yourself, “How is my life more fulfilling, and how is my relationship with God stronger when I give?”

In the coming week you will receive a letter from our Stewardship Chair (David Horney), a Profile in Giving, and a pledge card. Prayerfully reflect on your role in First UMC’s mission, and how you can make a difference via your commitment. On Commitment Sunday (October 4) you will have the opportunity to offer your gift.



Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity. I look forward to the many ways we will thrive together as we “share the hope of Christ from the heart of High Point.”

Grace be the journey,

Rev. Randy Blanton

Lead Pastor