Dear Central Family,

I hope you have found our January Why Give? series to be thoughtful, encouraging, and maybe even a little challenging—in the best possible way. Throughout this series, we’ve been reflecting on how generosity is not just about funding a church, but about shaping a life rooted in our joy, impact and purpose. We also mailed out our 2026 Ministry Funding Plan so you can see where your gifts are used to make ministry happen! With this mailing, you received a blank Commitment Card with an opportunity to plan your giving to Central this year. Since winter weather kept us from gathering last week, you are invited to return a Commitment Card this Sunday, February 1. Together we will pray over these commitments and ask God to continue blessing us. 

This commitment is not an obligation, but a spiritual practice. One thing I know to be true is this: generosity rarely happens by accident. It grows through intention, prayer, and reflection. It requires us to pause and ask ourselves whether our resources reflect what we value most. The Commitment Card is simply a tool to help name that intention and take the next faithful step. It also helps Central leadership and staff plan responsibly and boldly for the year ahead.

For some of you, this commitment may be a first step in your giving journey. For others, this is already a part of your habit of generosity. Some of you tithe—offering 10 percent of your income to God. We know that each commitment shapes not only budgets, but hearts and lives. Wherever you are on this path, I invite you to look at your current practices and take a step forward. For most people, generosity is a journey made through small, faithful steps over time.

Between now and Sunday, I encourage you to pray, reflect, and talk with those closest to you about your generosity goals for the coming year. Then bring your Commitment Card with you to worship this Sunday. You may also submit your 2026 commitment online, where options for automatic giving are available as well.

I believe in the work we are doing through Central UMC on all three campuses. Brandon and I are both excited to see how God continues to move in and through our community. In 2025 we gave around 12% of our income to the ministries of Central, and this year we are excited to make that commitment again. I hope you’ll join us in taking your own next step of faith on your giving journey.

Thank you for the many ways you already live generously—within Central UMC and far beyond it. Your witness matters! Together we will continue sharing the good news about Jesus’ unrelenting, uncomplicated love.