Gratitude
For what are we grateful? That was the question Jenine Furry, SUMC’s Leadership Board Chair, posed to each of the Board members as she opened the October meeting. Jenine was responsible this month for researching and sharing ways we, as advisors to the church, can grow spiritually and become better leaders. She encouraged us to keep a “gratitude journal,” which is simply the practice of writing down each day what you are grateful for—big or small.
For me, and for some of my Board colleagues, gratitude starts early in the morning with our first sips of coffee. Thank you, Jesus! For others, like Pastor Hannah, practicing gratitude is a nightly ritual while sitting in a comfortable chair and reflecting on the day’s events and blessings.
Regardless of when or how you personally practice gratitude, doing so is known to increase happiness, shift perspective, and cultivate success. Not to mention, gratitude brings us Jesus followers closer to God. Gratitude journals are widely recognized for their benefits—many famous and successful people have practiced this habit daily. Leonardo da Vinci, Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, and Marie Curie were all known to journal their gratitude. Today, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and Lady Gaga continue that tradition as a way of gaining perspective and reflecting on spiritual growth.
Accepting Jenine’s challenge, I got myself The One-Minute Gratitude Journal so that as I’m drinking that first cup of coffee each morning and talking to Jesus, I can record the sentiment that is on my heart and for which I am thankful.
New People
Pastor Hannah has been multitasking on Sundays, and she challenged the Board members to do the same. As she conducts services, she makes it a point to scan the sanctuary to connect with congregants, notice new people, and observe interactions. She shared how she is moved by the range of human emotions she sees each Sunday—smiles, hugs, joy, tears, concern, and sorrow.
Pastor Hannah also asked us to listen to the sounds of Sunday mornings: music from the band and choir during final rehearsals, children chattering excitedly, and adults greeting friends or comforting others. These simple practices, she said, help us prepare for worship, ground us in the moment, and open our hearts to one another with greater empathy and trust.
Home Goods Closet
One of SUMC’s God-sized goals for 2025 is “to foster a relationship with the Hispanic community through the Good Neighbor Program.” The Home Goods Closet, which offers a variety of household supplies to those in need, is helping us achieve that goal.
After several months of operation and volunteer training, we made a few tweaks to improve service and reach more neighbors. The Closet has reduced its hours to the first Saturday of each month, allowing us to better stock shelves and sustain inventory. According to Liz Giglia, the ministry’s leader, the Home Goods Closet served 18 families last month—making it one of SUMC’s most impactful ministries at a time when it is needed most.
Key Financial Highlights
Income
September income totaled $5,220.42, which is $8,053.41 below budget for the month.
Year-to-date income is $230,761.96, exceeding the budget by $10,969.55.
Expenses
September expenses were $27,485.20, slightly over budget by $432.08.
Year-to-date, SUMC remains under budget by $5,390.34 in total expenses.
Net Operating Position
Year-to-date operating deficit: –$41,603.46.
Budgeted year-to-date deficit: –$58,363.35.
SUMC is performing $16,759.89 better than expected—reflecting strong giving and disciplined spending.
This suggests a positive trend: congregational giving has remained steady, and spending continues to be managed wisely. With continued support, upcoming fundraisers, and prudent stewardship, the Board is confident SUMC will end the year in a stable financial position.
To answer Jenine’s original question—for what are we grateful?—SUMC’s Leadership Board is grateful for you: for your service, generosity, and steadfast love for our neighbors.
Lynn Colosi, Member, SUMC Leadership Board