Friends,
We pray that this letter finds you safe and healthy.
During the pandemic shutdown, The University Church is experiencing a funding shortage for our church operating budget. As many of our neighbors are struggling financially, we have seen an increasing demand for our poverty-fighting programs. As the graphic below shows, our expenses have been held constant but donations to our church operating budget continue to decline. Our total deficit for the nine months of 2020 to date is $22,383.07. The needs of our community are increasing, just at a time when our capacity to serve is being threatened by decreasing contributions.
We write to you today to thank you for all that you have given and all that you do to support our work:
- You are part of feeding local families in need.
- You are part of helping underserved school children to succeed academically and socially.
- You are part of ensuring that at-risk mothers and babies have the care they need.
We also write to you today to invite you to continue to partner with us. Although we have not been able to meet in-person, the church is not closed. The church has mobilized to continue our fight against poverty as we usher in the Kingdom of God.
How can you help?
Donate. With so many demands on your time and attention, it is not surprising that keeping up with regular donations to the church might slip your mind. Please consider renewing your regular practice of sharing your gifts with the church community if you are financially able. We understand that finances are difficult for many of us right now. Online giving options are available. Visit www.theuniversitychurchtoledo.org and click the “donate” tab. Or text your donation to (419) 987-4075.
Engage. Although we are not meeting for in-person worship gatherings, your church family is still gathering on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. through Facebook, YouTube, and our podcast platform. Please visit our website or our Facebook page for the online worship gathering links.
Reach Out. Our website, Facebook page, and monthly e-newsletter are filled with opportunities to connect with one another. If you are not receiving our e-newsletter please contact us at theuniversitychurchtoledo@gmail.com. Join your church family for socially distanced, in-person opportunities and/or online conversations.
The global pandemic is one of the biggest challenges we have faced as a church family and as a global community. We mourn over what has been lost with heavy hearts. May we also rise to meet the new and growing needs of our community with creativity, strength, and grace.
Grace and peace:
Rev. Dr. Julian A. Davies
Pastor