Schedule and Campaign Committee
Opening Hearts and Minds Sermon
Home Visits and Town Hall Meetings Report
February 15, 2009
Dear Friends of Charleswood United Church
This coming June I will celebrate my 20th anniversary as a minister in the United Church of Canada. While I would like to believe that I am only half way through what will eventually be called a career, I think 20 years warrants at least a brief reflection.
I never could have imagined the myriad of experiences that would come to me as a consequence of following God this way. I have met the most extraordinary people who often live out their faith with a quiet, uncelebrated witness. I have been privileged to be a part of people's lives in times of triumph, joy, sorrow, discovery, wonder, adversity, and friendship.
But of all the tasks of which I have been a part in the last twenty years, none has been as challenging and daunting and involved as the expansion of Charleswood United Church . After years of aspiration and anticipation, we committed ourselves to a project that truly is a once-in-a-generation effort. And while I marvel at the size and beauty of the addition, I am most compelled by the generosity of spirit that has been present throughout.
The plan that was initiated by the 2006 Opening Doors campaign called for a total congregational contribution of $1,100,000 on a budget of $1.6 million. In the end we agreed to a project costing $1.9 million and in the first three years have pledged nearly $800,000.
To bring our debt financing to a sustainable level and to equip our new facility for optimal ministry we need to complete our commitment. With faith in one another and with great confidence in the vision of this church, I am pleased to announce a follow-up capital campaign called Opening Hearts and Minds .
The target of Opening Hearts and Minds is to raise a minimum of $600,000 over the next three years.
A steering committee of volunteers chaired by Warren Thompson, who has given us such steady and strong leadership throughout the construction phase, is ready to go. Over the next few months you will have many opportunities to learn more about the vision and direction of Charleswood United and to prayerfully prepare to pledge your commitment for the completion of this project. In March we will conduct home meetings so that everyone can offer their wisdom on how to best expand the ministry of this church. Be on the lookout for your invitation.
There was great joy among us when we dedicated the addition last November. It was the culmination of fifty years of dreaming. For me, it felt as one of those moments that won't come along very often and deserves to be cherished. The focus that day was on the building but ever since we have rightfully been re-focussed on the people therein. I invite you to share in bringing the dream of a healthy and vital church in Charleswood to completion.
Grace and peace,
Rev. Dr. Michael Wilson
