To view and/or print the STUDY COMMITTEE REPORT on Feasibility of Church Building Extensive Renovation

May 2008


Hello All,  

I hope this letter finds you well.

Recently Christ United Methodist Church received a letter congratulating us on being in the top 10% of the Florida conference churches in increases in affirmations of faith. An affirmation of faith is when someone comes to faith/baptism/membership for the first time. This recognition comes from the bishop and his cabinet. They asked that I would share this recognition with you. I wrote a letter in response and have included it here so you might be able to share in the affirmation to our faith and work that has been bringing our neighbors to Christ. 

“Thank you very much for this recognition of Christ United Methodist Church Leesburg. To be in the top 10% came as quite a surprise. We have been learning a lot from Christ's teaching. It seems that there are a number of practices and perspectives within Christ Leesburg that seem to have led to this particular fruitfulness in ministry. In asking the congregation what has been the most obvious place you have seen God move in Christ Leesburg, that answer overwhelmingly remains hospitality. An atmosphere of warmth, welcome, respect and expectation for worship surrounds every Sunday morning. As a result, many current members bring their neighbors. Leesburg is a retirement community in large part and Christ Leesburg reflects the demographics of a retired congregation. Given this, most of our members are living in retirement communities. The practice of hospitality includes a half dozen members shaking hands and meeting new people before worship, mailing letters to new visitors, calling new visitors and inviting them back. We also have learned of the gifts of a few people who are evangelistic in their perspective. Their hearts are bent toward introducing Christ to those who come and have never given their lives to Christ. As pastor I have encouraged and sought to support and be involved with new people. Worship is also 'good' for lack of a better word. People want to come back and they want to bring their friends. Lastly we have a motto and vision we actively support.  

Motto: Live your faith through Christ United Methodist Church 

Vision:
Our vision is for Christ United Methodist Church to be a place through which you can live your faith. A place where your faith is strengthened in worship, deepened through study, enriched in service, and shared with your neighbor, community, and the world. 

We feel this vision is representative of many of the aspects of the Bishop's vision for the conference. In learning how to live our Christian faith, we have come to realize that sharing that faith holds the richest rewards.  

Thank you again for this honor. Our congregation has felt affirmed and supported by the conference as a result of this recognition. May God bless us with the same next year.”

Pastor James P. Holden 

So in the words of Christ:

^NLT Matthew 25:21 The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!'