Thank you for your generous gifts to support the work and ministry of our congregation in 2025. We ended the year with income slightly above our expectations and expenses  below our expectations. This left us with a surplus of $74,159.

As we head into 2026, this surplus will fund our expected shortfall for the first six months. November and December account for 25% of our income so we are used to expenses outpacing income in the first part of the year. Your generous gifts at the end of last year ensured a strong start to 2026.
 
At this time last year, we had to use our reserves to cover our shortfall for 2024. Due to careful management in years past, we were still able to move ahead from a deficit position. Seeing the necessity to change, we started 2025 with a much smaller budget. We followed through and lowered our expenditures by $121,814 last year. Most of this savings came from decreased apportionment requests from our Annual Conference and decreased personnel costs. We are headed in to 2026 with a flat budget and will be watching the income trends as we prepare for our new fiscal year which will begin July 1, 2026.
 
Our year end numbers showed us that we could turn a deficit into a surplus. Our income didn’t increase, but our overall expenditures sharply decreased — even in the midst of rising costs. We are so grateful to the many who give with generous hearts, making possible the work God is doing among us and through us. If you have any questions about our financial position or would like to see a full set of our financial reports, please contact Daniel Guthrie, our Business Administrator. You are also welcome to attend our Finance Committee meeting on Jan. 20, 5:30 pm, in the Social Hall.
 
Thanks to Daniel and his office for their hard work in finalizing this information. Year-end giving statements for 2025 were sent via U.S. mail this week. Let’s make 2026 great!

Do you know the blessing of a warm shower, a clean towel, and clean clothes?  We might take this blessing for granted. Now, imagine how it feels when someone that does not have access to a shower tell you that you are a blessing to him. He thanks you and tells you multiple times how much he appreciates having a shower this week. The blessing is ours because we are able to offer this ministry at FUMC. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Our Shower Ministry provides weekly showers to individuals in our community that do not have access to regular showers. Along with providing towels and wash cloths, we give toiletry items of soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrush, and deodorant as well as a t-shirt, underwear and socks. These items are made possible from your generous donations. We need your support in this winter season to restock our supplies. CLICK HERE to respond and let us know how you can help.

In observance of MLK Jr. Day, our office and building will be closed Monday, January 19.

College students & young adults...right after worship, stick around for Lunch Break! We’ll meet up every Sunday at 12:00 pm at the back of the sanctuary and either head out or bring in lunch. It’s laid-back, no pressure, and a great way to connect with other young adults while sharing a meal. Come hungry, leave encouraged!

Need a great way to start your week? THE WAY meets every Monday night at 7:00 pm in the Parlor. We’ll dive into real conversations about life and faith, ask big questions, dig into scripture, and figure out together what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world. Plus, there will always be snacks and laughter!

Sapeida Myers, our Food Services Director, has accepted a new position with food services for one of the sorority houses on the OSU campus. Her last day on staff with us will be Sunday, Jan. 25. This is a wonderful opportunity for Sapeida and her family. We wish her the very best and we will miss her desire to feed everyone she meets! May the OSU students benefit from her heart to serve, the love she pours into her food, and her beautifully earned wisdom.

Inviting all 3rd graders (and any new 4th & 5th graders) to take part in our Children's Bible Sunday, January 25th, and Bible study sessions. We will encourage your child's faith journey with a Bible gifted from our church. Our Bible study sessions will cover how to use and explore their new Bibles. All sessions will take place during the Sunday School hour this spring.  We can't wait to celebrate this milestone in the United Methodist church with you! Please contact Irene Upson by CLICKING HERE.

Momentum Youth’s 8th Annual Chili Cook-off is January 25, 5:00-7:00pm!  $2 a person at the door gets you a full chili dinner, as well as an opportunity to taste the entries! Enter YOUR favorite chili by CLICKING HERE or contact Janelda Lane at jlane@fumcstw.org

Put on your dancing shoes and join us for a fun-filled evening of fellowship on January 30! Trish Ranson will guide us through a variety of folk and country dances. No experience is necessary, and all ages are welcome - non-dancers are welcome to come and enjoy watching too! A pizza dinner will be served beginning at 5:30pm, followed by dancing from 6:00–7:00pm.

There will be a new women's Bible study starting Tuesday, February 10, at 9:30am. It will last for 7 weeks. The title of the book for the study is Imagine Life God's Way by John October. It will focus on studying Jesus' parables. It is not necessary to purchase the book to participate in the study.

Please contact Velda Lorenz if you have any questions @ 405.269.8287