Text Box: Vision, Renewal, and Finances : by Cindy Wagner Dear Friends, Dream, Imagine, Believe…three powerful words, especially when you apply them to our vision for the future of Christian Temple and this year’s Every Member Commitment (EMC) campaign. During our recent Vision Team initiative, we heard you describe your Dreams for Christian Temple, including greater opportunities for Christian Education for all ages, enhanced worship experiences, growth in our mission locally and beyond, and a larger role for music and the arts. The Vision Team Imagined these Dreams through our vision of Christian Temple as a “ beacon of light.” I Believe these Dreams are all possible with the grace of God and the continued commitment of each and every member of our congregation. Just as Rick is experiencing a period of renewal through his sabbatical, our congregation is embarking on a time of rejuvenation of the personal and collective commitments we have made to God and to our church. The upcoming EMC is your chance to help us continue and expand the programs that are critical to Christian Temple, and to begin new ones that we have Dreamed about and Imagined for our future. The everyday operating expenses of Christian Temple are many. The salaries of our dedicated staff must be paid, gas and electric bills must be met, our building and property must be maintained, improvements to the many programs we support must be made, and new programs and initiatives must be started to help us achieve our Dreams. These are just a few of the financial commitments we must address in the budget for the upcoming 2010-2011 fiscal year. Soon, we will begin the annual budget process that will guide Christian Temple for the next year. A key part of this process is obtaining annual financial pledges through our ECM Campaign. I ask you to consider the importance of Christian Temple programs and its ministry to you, your family, and the community and to make a financial commitment that reflects this importance. You will have a chance to submit your pledge card during worship on Sunday, May 16th, or you may send your pledge card directly to the church office prior to that date. So many people are counting on you to Dream with us, to Imagine how much more Christian Temple can achieve as we do God’s work, and to Believe, along with me, that all of this is possible. Thank you, in advance, for your commitment, Cindy Wagner Moderator-elect, 2010-2011