To the beloved Pastors, Churches, and Leaders of the Rocky Mountain Conference:
When someone asks us what it is that we do as the church, it’s difficult to offer a response that tells the whole story. The truth is, we do so much—for ourselves and others—that it’s hard to keep track. Further, we often aren’t able to witness the effects of our ministry. We donate our time, clothing, money, and talents, and still never truly know the difference we have made.
Great things are a series of small things brought together. – Vincent Van Gogh
I believe this to be a good thing. When we untether our ministry from our expectations of it, we are able to continue our work without worrying about whether we are “successful.”
Even so, it’s also a good thing to be affirmed that one’s work is indeed rippling out and changing lives for the better. We may receive the rare piece of feedback from someone to whom we’ve ministered, but what about the far-reaching stuff? What about the money our churches send to the Conference and the National UCC? Does it matter?
With this infographic & letter, I hope to show you that the answer is a resounding “yes”: Your gifts absolutely matter, to an extent that we will likely never know.
- They’ve mattered to youth at La Foret who, without scholarships, wouldn’t be able to experience life-changing Outdoor Ministry.
- They’ve mattered to underserved families in Fort Morgan, CO who now have a safe place for their children to play.
- They’ve mattered to LGBTQ teens in Ogden, UT who have been kicked out of their homes but were offered a place to be fully loved and welcomed.
- They’ve mattered to parents, educators, and youth workers in Aurora, CO who’ve been given tools to better minister to teens at risk of self-harm and suicide.
And that’s just a handful of the abundance of examples of your good work. Suffice to say that through your OCWM giving, you aren’t just changing lives, but saving them as well. Be proud! This is no small feat.
On behalf of the RMC Staff and Board, I thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love and compassion you have shown to those most in need, both in our Conference and beyond. It is nothing short of a miracle.
With Gratitude,
Cory Kibler—Director of Communications Ministries