November 6, 2025
Dear Friends,
Instead of an Appleseed Pondering for this month’s Community Connection, Pastor Doug asked me to write for our Taste and See stewardship campaign. What an honor—and a bit of pressure!
Our theme, from Psalm 34:8, is simple and profound:
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
I hope this verse stays with you throughout this season, reminding you of God’s constant goodness and care. I can taste and see that the Lord is good each time I serve as a communion server. I experience a sacred connection with each person as the juice or bread is shared and the sacramental words are spoken. Being able to add the person’s name surprises and personalizes the ritual. This year’s Confirmation was similarly memorable, not only because I was called as a mentor for one of the candidates (Delaney Austin), but also for the way we were able to support different learning styles and needs unique to our church. God is good!
Last week, Pastor Doug shared a beautiful reflection on apple picking—how seeing, harvesting, sharing, and serving reflect the fruitfulness of God’s generosity. That vision has already taken root through Stirring Up Hope, our first tangible outreach from this campaign. Through these simple soup meal kits, we’re offering nourishment and dignity to neighbors in need. It’s a living example of what it means to let God’s goodness be seen through our love in action—the way of the Cross, the way of Jesus.
In his State of the Church message, Pastor Doug reminded us of the six areas that shape our shared ministry:
Hospitality, Worship, Faith Development, Mission and Service, Generosity, and Peace with Justice.
Each of these reflects how we are becoming, as individuals and as a church, more like Jesus. Our spiritual growth, like an apple tree, moves from seed to fruit-bearing maturity. Transformation takes time, attention, and the Spirit’s guidance—but it always leads to life.
Of course, the world around us doesn’t always reflect that fruitfulness. We see division, uncertainty, economic strain, and global conflict. These challenges can easily make us fearful or hesitant. Yet, this is exactly the moment when faith and generosity matter most.
Even in difficult times, God calls us to trust, follow, and give—to live as people who believe that love, not fear, has the final word. Jesus shows us that God’s steadfast love overcomes anxiety, uncertainty, and even death. His example calls us to love others—especially the most vulnerable—with humility, grace, and compassion.
Everything we have—everything we are—comes from God’s goodness. To be the Church means to live that truth together: a living body animated by the Holy Spirit, dedicated to God’s work of renewal in our community and world.
Each of us has a vital role to play. Your generosity—through prayer, presence, service, witness, and financial giving—sustains our shared ministry. Together, we provide:
- Worship that draws us closer to God.
- Mission and ministries that serve others.
- Spaces for learning, music, and connection.
- Staff and pastoral leadership that equip and guide us.
You’ve received with this letter a Taste and See Estimate of Giving card, and a Mission and Ministry Interest Form. Over the next two weeks, please take time to pray and discern your response. Ask:
- How is God calling me to grow in faith and generosity?
- How can I share in God’s work through Community UMC?
- What first or next step can I take toward tithing?
Our Dedication Sunday will be November 23, during our Thanksgiving worship service—a time to offer our gifts, gratitude, and commitments to God.
Each of us has different circumstances. Some are raising children, some are retired, and others are managing debt or supporting loved ones. Yet all of us can give something—a gift of thanks that reflects God’s goodness and our shared mission. God is faithful even in finances. Funding the 2025 budget was a stretch, balanced by both paring down expectations and significant increases in giving by several members. My hope is that this will continue, and our growth will be from the wonderful new families among us for 2026.
My simple counsel is this: Give until it feels good.
Give with gratitude, and trust that God will use our collective generosity to bear fruit—here at Community and far beyond.
With blessings, love, and wishes for a joyful Thanksgiving,
Barb Julian
Lay Leader, Community UMC
