Recently our church moderator, Nancy asked the gathered congregation to reflect upon some favorite moments at United Church of Gainesville that come to us with the arrival of the fall season.
Lots of favorites came to mind:

• First Sunday back after school starts when we have Gathering of Waters.
• Gator football…not exactly church-related, but we do provide a welcoming venue for lots of tailgating events that also help us financially, so it counts!
• Church on the Prairie worship service and picnic
• Choir rehearsals, children and youth programs, worship services, small groups, seminars, and a flurry of social justice actions

Then I also realized that our fall pledge campaign is also a favorite moment of mine every year! Odd, you say…counter-intuitive, you snicker, but no. It is true.

And here’s why…every year during our pledge campaign, congregation members share little stories of why UCG means so much to them. There are often poignant stories and a few tears shed, some knowing laughter, and always memories recounted of why the money we give ends up manifesting something beautiful when we put it all together to create new opportunities to help someone.

Our pledge theme this year is “Invest in the Vision” and my friend Bill said, “I give because I love this church, because it has comforted me and my family in hard times, and given us a place to worship and learn. Our church is the people. They mean the world to me, and so I want to give. And just think about all that I receive for my investment!”

It really made me think about the bountiful return on my investment, too. A Scripture passage comes to mind: “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure – pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” (Luke 6:38)

Yes, definitely. We are blessed beyond measure here at UCG, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Visitors, friends, and members – we all have the opportunity to make pledges. Swing by the church office this fall. You will get to experience the joy, too. It’s really not a drag to have a pledge campaign in the fall – it is one of our favorite opportunities to be thankful!

~ Rev. Shelly Wilson