It seemed like ages since the Leadership Board got together, rolled up our sleeves, and worked on the business of the church. Last we met was in November for the annual Board retreat at Jumonville when we reviewed 2025 and then set SUMC’s budget, God-sized goals, and capital plan for 2026. It was with genuine excitement at being together and enthusiasm for getting back to business that the Board convened on Wednesday, January 21st for our first meeting of the year.
Typical agenda items notwithstanding, here are the most important initiatives that SUMC is undertaking to start 2026.
Feeling Grateful
Last year, some of our Board members spoke during Sunday services and asked you to dig deep(er) to fund the church’s most important initiatives: adding safety enhancements, upgrading software, paying for soaring property and liability insurance premiums, making unexpected fixes to the church, and funding part of the education coordinator position.
You answered overwhelmingly. Your thoughtful and generous response was awesome! Your contributions in December exceeded typical giving for the month and enabled us to balance the budget. The Leadership Board does not take your investment lightly. We want to make sure you know that we love you and are thankful that you are part of our church.
Making Disciples of Jesus Christ
SUMC is serious about our mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Last year, nearly three dozen new members joined our church, which is not only important for SUMC’s growth, but for the condition of our country. With “Christianity” being weaponized by a hateful minority using religious contexts, symbols, and messages, it is critically important that we expand the base of “love your neighbor” Christians.
A lot of people seem to agree as demonstrated by the demand for yet another New Members’ Class at SUMC. Starting Monday, February 23rd, Pastor Hannah will conduct a 6-week class for new members that will convene every Monday through March 30th. The class will be held in the Patton Library from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
To sign up for the New Members’ Class, please email Pastor Hannah at pastor@sewickleyumc.org. She will provide materials for the class. All you have to bring is yourself and a notebook, if you desire to take notes. Upon completion of the class, new members will be presented to the congregation at both Easter Sunday services on April 5th.
Supporting Diversity
You might have read in the weekly bulletin, or heard Pastor Hannah say, that SUMC started a Neurodiversity Support Ministry (NSM) Committee, and you might be asking yourself, “What is neurodiversity?” I know I was the first time I heard that terminology. The dictionary definition of neurodiversity is “…the range of differences in individual brain function and behavioral traits, regarded as part of normal variation in the human population.” The AI (artificial intelligence) definition of neurodiversity is “…the concept that differences in human brain function—such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia—are natural variations rather than deficits or disorders.” The SUMC definition of neurodiversity is “…ALL people are welcome here regardless how your brain works because God made you and we already love you.”
As part of welcoming and supporting people of any age who are neurodivergent, SUMC launched the NSM Committee comprised of members who are gifted with expertise and understanding of how the neurodiverse inherently learn and process information. The Committee started its work during the latter part of 2025 focusing first on how to make our worship services more comfortable for neurodivergent members. Over the next several months, the NSM Committee will provide tools that comfort, such as picture schedules, social stories, weighted blankets, and noise cancellation headphones. Planning is underway to create space in the back of the sanctuary that will enable neurodivergent members to move around, find quiet time, and enter or exit the sanctuary as they need to.
Recognizing and embracing diversity isn’t just lip service at SUMC; inclusion is one of the goals that God laid on our hearts and we intend to accomplish it.
Being Responsible Stewards of the Church
When I run in my neighborhood, which is part of my typical workout routine, I start out on Hill Street, make a right on Straight Street, and run up the 66 steps to Hopkins Street. When I reach the top, I always stop to look out over the neighborhood and offer gratitude (and to catch my breath, I can’t lie) for my life, for a body that has never failed, and for our church, a building that stands taller physically and metaphorically than any other in Sewickley.
Our church building, an important asset and a beacon of hope to the community, needs some work. The Board started developing a capital improvement plan at our retreat in November and continued the conversation at our January meeting. We know for sure the church roof needs to be replaced after several years of stop-gap measures. The roof is number one on this list.
Other items that need to be replaced, repaired, or purchased are the parsonage windows, the organ, and sound technology, among other things. Over the next month or so, the Leadership Board will provide you with more and specific information about all of SUMC’s capital needs as we obtain price quotes, identify grant sources that can offset the costs, and refine the capital plan budget.
The Next Leadership Board Meeting
Please note, SUMC’s next Leadership Board meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 11th, which is a week earlier than usual. Our meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of the month. However, in February, the third Wednesday of the month conflicts with Ash Wednesday. So, if you plan to attend February’s Board meeting, please adjust your calendar accordingly. Our meetings start at 6:30 pm.
Lynn Colosi
Leadership Board Member