Fellow Members of Christ,

Esperanza is an amazing church.  We are abundantly blessed with talented members, passionate leaders, a charming and inviting campus, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and a palpable sense that the Holy Spirit breathes through our ministries.  We come to church and we are refreshed, growing in love for God and learning the Way of Jesus with a community that truly feels like a family.   We ARE the church as we give that love away, share the Good News, and live the Way of Jesus with others between Sundays.

As the economy continues to wobble on increasingly shaky legs, we are reminded daily of the troubled hearts that surround us in our neighborhood, our city, our country, the world.  Everywhere we look, we see uncertainty and fear.  Sometimes we see it when we look in the mirror.  Can you remember a time when the Good News has been needed more?  Can you remember a time when a special church like Esperanza could make more of a difference?  As Pastor Pam said in her talk last Sunday, this is not the time to withdraw, withhold, or turn in on ourselves as a community of faith.  Rather, we are called as children of God to lean into and embrace the opportunity these turbulent times represent to be the Church.

As we begin the process of budgeting for 2009, we hope you will step up with us to answer that call.  It’s been an exciting year for us at Esperanza, having been able to make some much needed improvements to our property while launching ten new task forces and seeing visible progress in executing to our strategic plan.  But, financially, it’s been tough.  Offerings have been more than $30,000 below what was pledged so far.  As a result, we have had to use up all of the cash reserves with which we began the year and now we are literally operating month to month. 

So, we’re asking all of you to consider stepping up your current financial commitment, so that we can replace the savings we’ve had to use this year, continue the momentum of our task forces, and have plenty left over to give away to others in need. 

November 23rd is Commitment Sunday at Esperanza.  Please take some time praying and reflecting on the new commitment you are ready to make.  Then, fill out the enclosed commitment card and bring it to any service that day, when we will lay our promises at the altar together.  If you can’t make it on the 23rd, just mail your card to us, using the envelope provided, or simply submit your pledge online at www.myesperanza.org.

Our giving reflects our joy, our gratitude, and our conviction that the light of Jesus Christ will shine brightly in all that we do.  It also reflects our commitment to be a beacon of love, peace, hope and forgiveness to a community and world more in need than ever of the Good News we have to share.  Let’s hang on tight, trust in God, and lean boldly into our calling to be the church in this time and place.

In His Service,

Dennis Skinner
Esperanza CHurch Council President