Miracle Sunday Funds
As 2019 drew to an end, we celebrated “Miracle Sunday” when the largest single offering in the history of SUMC was received. We celebrated SUMC’s ministries and Miracle Sunday as a means to help pay down the loan from the 2012 sanctuary renovation and to create a designated fund for ministries. 75% of the donations and memorials received for Miracle Sunday were used to pay down the loan (which was paid off in November 2022). The remaining 25% were set aside for ministries. We envisioned the ministry funds helping fund ministry needs outside the budget and to serve as seed money for new ministries.
In March 2020, the various church committees were tasked with meeting and dreaming big ideas that might be born thanks to the Miracle Sunday funds and to bring those ideas to the church council. You know what happened in March 2020, and most Miracle Sunday ministry ideas were put on hold. During the pandemic, some of the funds were used to upgrade equipment in the sanctuary for streaming services, and on multiple occasions, to provide meals of appreciation to nurses and staff at the Sewickley Valley Hospital. Funds have also been used to benefit the Outreach, Pastoral Care, Fellowship of the Cross, and Youth Group funds. With the recent rebirth of the SUMC Youth Group, Miracle Sunday funds were also used to send Felicity Johnston to youth ministry training. In May 2024, the leadership board voted to help fund a new caring ministry that is in the development stage, and $2,000 toward the purchase of the sanctuary piano.
If you have a passion for a ministry that might get a jumpstart from Miracle Sunday funds, reach out to Pastor Hannah or Jenine Furry, chair of the Leadership Board.
Pam Honeychurch
SUMC Treasurer and former Chair of the Miracle Sunday Committee
Keys to Our Harmony: Fundraising for Our New Church Piano
Dear Members and Friends of Sewickley United Methodist Church:
We are delighted to announce an exciting opportunity to enhance our worship experience and grow our music ministry. As part of our ongoing efforts to enrich the spiritual atmosphere of our church, we are launching two fundraising campaigns to complete the purchase of our new church piano, which will be announced between services on June 9th, 2024.
The piano holds a special place in our hearts and plays a vital role in our worship services. Its melodies resonate within our sanctuary, lifting our voices in praise and creating a harmonious atmosphere that uplifts our spirits. However, our previous piano, after years of faithful service, was showing significant signs of wear and tear. It was time for us to invest in a new instrument that will continue to inspire us for years to come.
We want to embody our overall vision by being present in the community as a welcoming and growing church and live out the radical love of Jesus in vital ways. By investing in our “God-size goals,” we can cultivate opportunities for our church, community, and beyond.
Our goal is to raise $13,000 to finalize the purchase of a high-quality piano that meets the needs of our congregation and enhances our musical worship. With your generous support, we can achieve this goal and ensure that our church continues to be a place of spiritual nourishment and fellowship.
We appreciate any contributions that you can make to our cause. Once you’ve had a chance to donate, please be sure to share our fundraising efforts with your friends, family, and colleagues. Every additional support brings us closer to reaching our goals. Let’s join hands and hearts to create music that strengthens our bonds of fellowship.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our church and its ministries. Your generosity is truly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you on June 9th.
With many blessings,
Hannah M. Loughman, Pastor and Erik J. Kolodziej, Director of Music