Dear members and friends,

What comes to mind when you think of Wallingford United Methodist Church? 

• A place of worship and refuge during difficult times?

• Spirit-filled services, Melissa’s thought-provoking sermons and intellectually stimulating Adult Ed classes?  Or hearing Christopher lead us in a shouted AMEN! at the end of the children’s message?

• Hearing the joys and heartbreaks of a community prayers every week in service?

• Inspiring music under Zach’s direction, from our choir and special musicians and basking in the glow of Zoe’s postludes and all-around excellent musicianship?

• Do you think of our community – the long-time friends and acquaintances you’ve made at WUMC, with whom you connect on Sundays and beyond?

• The joy and satisfaction through giving to our wider community – care kits and sandwiches for unhoused neighbors, providing financial help and gift cards for El Dios Viviente UMC, El Salvador/Sister Parish friends, our ongoing LGBTQ-Plus missions, our support of James Place for unhoused youth, and most recently, helping furnish Clover Place in support of Seattle’s Downtown Emergency Service Center? Our ministry that is the Wallingford Child Care Center has been a vital part of our ministry for over 50 years. Through service, we serve God’s people and our lives are enriched!

• Do you think of our (aging but sturdy) building, – and the grounds that surround it?

• WUMC is all of this and more – and these are ways the spirit moves through our community. 

The month of May begins our annual fundraising pledge campaign.  Thank you for your past and current support – both for your volunteer work, and for your financial gifts.  Your gifts have kept the church going year after year – our staff and their salaries/benefits, routine maintenance of the church and parsonage, program support and more. We set and maintain a budget based on the pledges made by you, the church.  Please think about what WUMC means to you, and consider increasing your annual pledge, or if you’ve yet to make a pledge, consider a monthly gift.

If you’re newer to WUMC or churches, you may not realize that we don’t receive support from the United Methodist church. In fact, we pay monthly apportionments for Conference overhead.  We stand on our own in terms of staffing, the buildings and other costs, This requires financial support for our entire community. Most members and friends give through electronic transfer systems, either through our trusted service provider, Vanco, or through bill-pay services through their bank or credit union.  These options allow you to set the cadence and amounts.  We accept gifts of stock through the Faith Foundation. And, of course, we accept cash and checks!  More information is below or you can contact us for further details.

Again, THANK YOU for all you do with and for WUMC!  Please do consider increasing your pledge (costs have increased!) or if you haven’t pledged in the past, consider making a pledge. 

Judy Mahoney, Eddie Speer, Jon Howe

Annual Campaign Committee