As we step into a new year, many churches are already planning worship series, selecting hymns, choosing sermon texts, and preparing prayers that will shape the weeks ahead. But here’s an important question to consider:
How much intentional time goes into the way we call for the offering?
In many congregations, the offering moment is treated as a brief pause in worship—necessary, familiar, routine. Yet it is one of the greatest opportunities we have each week to tell the story of impact, connect giving to mission, and remind people how their generosity directly changes lives.
You have 52 Sundays in the year. That means 52 opportunities to share how giving fuels the ministry of your church. Imagine the difference it could make if each of those moments were planned with the same care as your liturgy, music, or preaching.
Make 2026 the year you tell the story well.
Here’s a simple example of what an intentional offering moment can sound like:
“As we give back to God our tithes and our offerings, we want to thank you for supporting the operating budget of this church. Because of your generosity, 36 children received weekend meals this year who may have otherwise gone hungry. That is the sign of a loving and generous church. Thank you.”
Moments like this reinforce that giving is not about obligation—it’s about impact, mission, and transformation.
A New Year’s Commitment
As you plan for 2026, consider developing a simple offering calendar:
- Highlight one ministry each month
- Tell one story of impact each week
- Connect giving to real, tangible outcomes
- Celebrate what God is doing through your congregation
The Florida United Methodist Foundation remains ready to support our current and future ministry partners as you strengthen stewardship, deepen generosity, and tell your ministry story with clarity and joy.
Here’s to a new year filled with purpose, impact, and God’s abundant grace.