Beloved Friends,

Since 1921 the Diamond United Methodist Church has obeyed Christ’s commandment to

"... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matt 25:19-20.

Now we must contend with a vital task: replacing our aging roof that has sheltered us faithfully through storms and sunshine alike.

Our church is not merely a building, but a testimony to the grace we receive and share. Generations before us have worshiped here, finding solace, guidance, and healing within these cherished walls. Now, it is our duty to safeguard this spiritual refuge, ensuring it remains a sanctuary for all who seek solace and salvation.

Our churches proclaim that God is present and active in the world, and that God is not to be forgotten. Their physical presence echoes the Hebrew word emuna with its sense of trustworthiness and reliability. In a way that cannot easily be put into words they elicit loyalty, respect, and a sense of the sacred. Church buildings are more than places of worship. They provide a growing list of essential services for people in need.

At its simplest a Christian community needs a home to meet in and a distinctive building serves this purpose well. Church buildings can be a reminder that God chooses to reveal himself in specific places, such as to Jacob in Genesis 28, to Moses in Exodus 3, and to Isaiah in Isaiah 6, and such places are deemed to be sacred and holy. Such revelations elicit a response. They witness to Christian faith being alive and often, through the windows and other physical aspects of the building and its surrounds, to the message of that faith. They have an invaluable role to play in the developing life of a Christian community for they are the designated places where the congregation, the local embodiment of Christ, comes for worship, to be taught, fed and sent out to love and serve God in the world.

Revd Charles Chadwick – December 2020

It is not just about preserving physical structures, but about sustaining a profound connection to our faith and purpose.

Like countless churches across the land, whether due to death, illness, or other reasons many of our congregation did not return following the COVID shutdowns. We know God's love is boundless and His grace infinite. Therefore, we carry this message in our hearts as we launch the #RaisingHope campaign, knowing that through the collective power of our faith-driven community, we can overcome any challenge that lies before us.

With every prayer, donation, and act of kindness, we will restore this sacred space. This endeavor is more than simple repairs; it is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the Gospel, a testament to our resilience as a community, and a beacon of hope for all who seek solace within these walls.

So, we humbly call upon your tireless hearts, knowing that together, we can conquer any challenge that dares to dampen our spirits. With a collective effort, we will raise funds to replace this roof in a glorious spectacle of faith, unity, and dedication. Your prayers, donations, and support—each one a testament to your love for our church—will bring us closer to our goal of restoring God's shelter.

🙏 CALL TO ACTION: 🙏

1️⃣ SHARE your own stories of how our church has touched your life, using the hashtag #RaisingHope. Let us ignite a digital revival, spreading the word of our mission far and wide.

2️⃣ DONATE whatever you can so we may witness our church's resurrection together. Every penny counts and brings us closer to our ultimate goal.

3️⃣ ATTEND our upcoming fundraising events, where we will celebrate our collective commitment while rejoicing in the strength community embodies.

Let us unite under the grace of God and untiringly strive to preserve our beloved church. Together, we can revitalize our spiritual home, secure in our quest to continue serving God and humanity. Let the #RaisingHope spread like wildfire, equipping us to embrace the challenges ahead and restore God's shelter for generations to come.

May God's grace guide us on this journey of hope, as we unite to touch the heavens with our outstretched hands.

May God bless you abundantly for your unwavering support and may His light guide us towards victory.

Yours in faith,

Robin A. Holstein

Certified Lay Servant.

This campaign is unpublished.

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