We want to report the response for the 2011 Pledge Campaign. As of December 19, 2010, we have received 29 Pledges for a total of $56,344. Last year we received 30 pledges for a total of $61,300.

We are very thankful for everyone who has stepped forward to support their church for the new year, and hope there may be some pledges that have not been received yet, for 2011. It is never too late!

We would also like to thank Joyce Sargent, for her time and work as our financial secretary and Carol Edson for her hard work as co-treasurer. We welcome Rik Poduschinick as the new Financial Secretary. He will now be the "go-to" person for questions about status of giving, etc. We welcome him on board in this important position. We also welcome Scott Needham as a new member of the finance committee.

Margaret Klohck
Middlebury Finance Chair

Dear Friends,

As we start to get into the holiday spirit, we also think of gift giving. If you have not already done so, we ask you to pray about your giving level and turn in your commitment to support your church in 2011. These can be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the Financial Secretary at any time. Commitments made during December will enable our church leaders to more easily prepare for the coming year.

The church is also coming to the end of its 2010 financial season and needs your help to fulfill our financial obligations in a faithful manner. We are behind in our support to the New England Annual Conference, and prayerfully hope for the opportunity to finish 2010 with our conference mission shares and our other bills fully paid. Some members will be able to fulfill their current pledge by year-end. Also, any extra Christmas "presents" for your church are gratefully accepted.

Last year, we received almost one-quarter of our entire annual income during November and December, due to the Christmas tree sales and your generous holiday giving! As we go into this special season, let us know that we have done our very best to be true and faithful stewards.

Blessings of the season to all our church family and friends.

Our current financial picture is shared here for your information.

You probably already know many fascinating facts about Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president. You may know he enjoyed bowling, he was one of our tallest presidents at 6'4" and wore a size 14 shoe. Some even know he was once challenged to a duel (which he accepted) and is the only president to hold a patent (to lift boats over shoals). But there is one fact few people know about this popular president.

Abraham Lincoln died without a will. Even though he was an active attorney and undoubtedly knew the importance of writing his wishes, he never did. He died without a will even though he was constantly plagued with visions of his own demise. When he died, the lawyers were left to try to determine the division of his estate.

Unfortunately, many people from pastors to pilots to presidents die without the benefit of a will today. (Lincoln is only one of several presidents to die without a will.) But it doesn't have to be that way. A will is simple to write with the help of an attorney and is usually far less expensive and far easier to do than people imagine.

If you don't have a will or have not updated it recently, call your attorney. If you want extra motivation or satisfaction, be sure to include a gift to your favorite cause in your plans. A gift to our mission is a great way to tell the world you want to leave a legacy that reaches beyond the years. And with a gift to our church, you can live every day knowing you have learned from the past - that a life lived greatly becomes even greater when it leaves a gift that benefits others.
 Article from United Methodist Foundation of New England.

Please see Julie Coons for additional information.

Stewardship  - Best & Worst

When the English nation was in one of its worst times with corruption and hunger among the poor, Bishop Shirley wrote these words on his church sign for the people of his parish:

"Do the best things in the worst times."

For our nation, two wars that need to end, a difficult decision in an upcoming presidential election, health care which seems only for the rich, a stock market rollercoaster, and the rising cost of food and fuel, we can be a candidate for the worst of times.

The best things would be to find all that is good around us and be thankful - if we are in good health, if we have food and shelter for the winter, and if we have friends around.  It is a good time to think about the church.  Your church faces increased challenges in the year ahead because of rising cost of everything including fuel.  Please think seriously about your church and a pledge for the coming year.  "Do the best things in the worst times."

You should have received a brochure and a pledge card which we hope you will bring with you on Sunday, November 8th (or mailed in prior to the 8th).

Thanks for your prayerful generosity in providing God's ministry here and around the world.

- For the Stewardship Committee, Lee Adkins

Sharing God’s Gifts Stewardship Board

In addition to estimating your tithe this fall in anticipation of the Middlebury stewardship celebration on November 9, you are invited to consider ways that you can help your neighbors and friends and serve Christ by sharing your God-given talents with others. You will find a form included in this newsletter asking for the following information: your name and contact information; what you can offer; and, a suggested donation to the church for what you are offering. This form will also be available on the usher’s table in the Middlebury church vestibule. There is a board in the vestibule in Middlebury where these forms can be posted, and then taken by those wishing to engage your service. The vision is that this particular form of stewardship will continue after November 9 and into the new year.