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Dear Friends,
As you know, NewSong has been worshipping together since February 10, 2008. We have enjoyed many successes and seen many people come to come to Christ and many lives rededicated to Christ. Our children's ministry has grown from just two or three children to over a dozen on some Sundays. The nursery is filled with babies and more are on the way. Our youth group continues to grow and reach not only NewSong youth, but their friends as well. There is no better, harder working worship team than ours. Each Sunday they usher us into the presence of the Living God with spirit and professionalism unequaled in any UMC. We've outgrown two facilities and are making plans to begin the building process on our property on Perkins Road. In fact, our goal is to celebrate Christmas Eve 2010 in our brand new building on our own property. There is much to celebrate as we approach the Holiday Season this year. And remember, we've been worshipping together less than two years!
Because NewSong is a new church start, we have no reserve funds to help us through seasons when offerings and attendance lag. PLEASE HEAR ME ON THIS: THIS IS A CYCLE AND TO BE EXPECTED IN ANY NEW CHURCH. It's not time to throw in the towel or yell "the sky is falling." But it is time for you to get very serious about your commitment to NewSong. I've said it over and over again: planting a new church is like raising a child; you can't expect a baby to care for itself. Just because the baby is crawling, doesn't mean it's ready to go get a job and become self-sufficient. The child still needs much tender love and care to assure it grows and matures into all it can be.
I think that because NewSong has experienced so much success so early, we've allowed ourselves to be lulled into a false sense of security. Until this Fall, attendance and offerings have been great. For a new church to continually exceed the 125 mark Sunday after Sunday is incredible. I think we may have seen this success and subconsciously thought, "Well, if I don't go this Sunday, no one will miss me." Or perhaps we said to ourselves, "No one will miss my tithe check, after all there were so many people there last week."
That is simply not the case. Here's the deal: Each and every one of you is extremely important to God, to NewSong and to me. You are missed and your financial support is needed.
In established churches, there are reserve funds built up over the years for such occasions, rainy day funds some might say. At a new Church, there are no reserve funds. So, when attendance is down and members forget to send in their usual financial support, well, you can do the math.
So, as pastor of NewSong, here's what I'm from you. Through the end of the year, I'm asking each one of you to give as much as you possibly can to NewSong. I'm talking about giving until you hurt just a little, maybe a lot. I'm asking you to have a garage sale and donate the entire proceeds to NewSong. I'm asking you to stop eating out and give what you would have spent to NewSong. I'm asking you to wear the same clothes for another season and give what you would have spent to NewSong. I'm asking you to donate used household and furniture items to Here Today Gone Tomorrow in NewSong's name. (We even have a donation box on the parking lot now!) I promise you that Suzanne and I will do the same. I've never asked you to do something I wouldn't do with you.
You all say how much you love what God is doing through NewSong. You love the friendly atmosphere, the fantastic worship and the children's ministry. You came to NewSong because you felt led by God to come. It's time for you to step up to the plate and do whatever you can (not whatever you feel like doing or what's convenient) to make sure The NewSong Family keeps our bills paid and ends the year on strong financial footing.
I don't write letters like this often, I don't have to. When I have shared a need, you have always responded generously and willingly. I know you will this time as well.
Your Pastor and Friend,
Trey Harris
NewSong on Old Perkins Road
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