2026 Stewardship
The 2026 stewardship campaign began on Sunday, October 12th, and will run through Sunday, November 16th. There are several ways to pledge: you can mail in your pledge card (which you should have received in the mail), or fill out the pledge form electronically, either on our website here (www.sumct.org), or from the stewardship emails sent out. Paper pledge cards are available at the church as well. If you prefer to speak with someone directly about your pledge, you can contact Greg Freidline (Stewardship Chair), Alan Lahue (Finance Team), or the church office.
Last year, our campaign was “Something's Gotta Give,” as the church was gripped by years of deficient spending following the pandemic. The church responded well, and we were able to balance the FY 2025 budget. We’re now looking forward to continuing that momentum for the new 2026 budget. The overarching theme for the church and this stewardship campaign is “Mission: Possible,” recognizing that together SUM can carry the mission of Christ into the world.
Over the next few weeks, regular messenger articles will update the congregation on how the church allocates funds and how these allocations affect our community and the wider world.
SUM prioritizes Education and Growth with its funds, dedicating around 20% of our yearly budget. Whether it's programs for the youngest in nursery, the children in church school, our youth group, or our adult spiritual development courses, education is a core part of what we offer. The education and growth portions of our ministry touch almost every part of our campus, using the annex, barn, and church. This is truly a wide-reaching and highly utilized part of church life at SUM.
Stewardship is the heart of our church, reflecting our commitment to God’s work and each other. Your generosity sustains our ministries, supports those in need, and maintains our sacred space. Every contribution, regardless of size, is a testament to our shared faith. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Greg Freidline, Stewardship Chair