Commitment Sunday

Dear Soapstone Family,

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the needs of this world? There are so many people who are hungry, unhoused, lonely, and living in fear. The world pulls at our attention and our pocketbooks so much so that we think, “there’s just too much. I can’t make any difference, so I’ll just stick my head in the sand.”

I’m not sure when we got the idea that we have to be almighty saviors or nothing at all- that our response to need has to be BIG, FLASHY, WORLD-RENOWNED, or we shouldn’t bother.

The witness of scripture reminds us of a different truth – God doesn’t ask us to be the saviors of anything. God gives us a savior in Jesus, the One who came to heal us and the world, and God simply asks for us to participate in that healing. God asks for us to offer our own small gifts, which, put together, help God to bring goodness here on earth.

Jesus himself taught us about the significance of small things. He spoke of mustard seeds and yeast, of widows’ mites and cups of cold water given in his name. He reminded us that faithfulness in little things is the foundation for faithfulness in all things (Luke 16:10).

A kind word offered to someone struggling. A few dollars placed in the offering plate. An hour spent volunteering with the youth group. A once-a-month commitment to greet people as they enter for worship. An afternoon of organizing at the thrift shop. A prayer shared in the driveway with your neighbor. These moments may seem insignificant on their own, but woven together, they create the beautiful tapestry of our church’s ministry and our life lived with God.

We’re entering into stewardship season, which is often a time that feels like, “Dear Church, please give us your money.” Sharing our financial gifts is, of course, a part of our life together as a faith community, but stewardship simply means, “what we do, with what God gives us, all the time.” God does not expect us to save the world or offer earth-shattering gifts. God expects us to take what we’ve been given, and to offer our own small things, trusting that God is gathering them up into goodness.

All the small acts of worship — showing up on Sunday morning, singing with joy, engaging in Bible studies and small groups throughout the week. These practices form and transform us.

All the small gifts we offer — whether it’s $5 or $500, when given with a grateful heart, every gift matters. Together, our offerings support missions in our community and beyond, maintain our buildings, fund ministry with children and youth, and pay our wonderful staff well.

All the small services we render — teaching a Sunday School class, greeting visitors, preparing meals, serving on a committee, helping with the upkeep of the building. Each act of service is holy work.

All the small sacrifices we make — choosing to give even when it’s inconvenient, prioritizing church involvement in busy schedules, putting others’ needs before our own comforts.

As you prayerfully consider your commitment for the coming year, I encourage you to think about all the small ways God is calling you to participate in our shared ministry. Perhaps it’s increasing your financial giving by a small percentage. Maybe it’s committing to one new act of service. It could be engaging in the discipline of daily prayer.

Remember, God doesn’t need our perfection—God invites our participation. Every small thing offered in faith becomes part of something beautiful when joined with the offerings of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

You may download and print the commitment card for 2026 here. We invite you to complete it prayerfully, asking God to reveal how you might grow in generosity and faithfulness. Together, let us build a community where all the small things—offered in love—create extraordinary ministry.

On October 26, Commitment Sunday, we invite you to place the commitment card on the altar as an act of worship. You may make your pledge online here anytime. 

Thank you for your faithfulness, your generosity, and your partnership with God and with Soapstone UMC. We are grateful to serve alongside you.

Pastor Laura and the Finance/Stewardship Team