Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we gather today in the presence of the Lord, let us take a moment to reflect on the countless blessings He has poured into our lives. We are a family here in this church, bound together by faith, love, and the mission to serve God and one another. This church, our spiritual home, has stood as a beacon of hope and sanctuary for all of us, a place where we find comfort in times of struggle, joy in times of celebration, and guidance in times of uncertainty.
However, as we continue to establish our presence and to grow and serve, our beloved church and ministry also faces its own needs. We need donations in order to be certified by the Internal Revenue Service as a bonafide charitable organization. We are in a catch-22 situation, as we need this certification in order to make donations tax-deductible for our givers. However, many are reluctant to help without the certification. WE ARE CERTIFIED in the State of California, but the federal certification makes donations tax deductible on the federal level. We won’t even be able to get a blanket donation from members unless we have that 501(c)3 certification when the time comes for us to distribute blankets. If you donate to help us pay this fee to the IRS, your donation WILL BE tax-deductible. Our need right now is only $275.00. John and Marlene have covered all costs of setting up this organization, but it’s hard to do on a fixed income. Whether it is supporting our outreach programs, or caring for those in our community who are struggling, we must rely on the generosity of our congregation and ministry. Today, I humbly ask you to consider how you can help.
Your offering, no matter the size, is an act of faith and love. It is not just a financial gift; it is a spiritual investment in the future of this church, in the lives we touch, and in the kingdom of God. Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “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.”
We understand that times may be difficult, and not everyone is in the same position to give, but we are reminded that when we come together as one body, every contribution makes a difference. If we all give from our hearts, trusting that God will multiply what we offer, we will meet every need and continue to do His good work.
So today, I encourage you to pray, to search your heart, and to give whatever you can in faith. Let us lift up this offering to God, trusting in His provision, and knowing that through our generosity, we are building a stronger church and a brighter future for our community.
Thank you for your love, your prayers, and your faithful support. Together, we can ensure that this church remains a place of hope, love, and transformation for all.
May God bless you abundantly for your giving.
In Christ’s love,
John Derossett
Church Leadership/ Pastor
