I hope you were able to be at the State the Church address this past Sunday. We worshipped together, celebrated our ministries, discussed where we believe God is leading us, and renewed our baptismal vows.
We know, however, that many who wanted to attend were unable to do so. That’s why I wanted to offer some highlights from the evening.
There was much to celebrate at Manchester United Methodist Church! Our Children’s’ ministry was recognized at the conference level for its creativity and excellence, and has seen a 45% increase in kids on Sunday morning.
Our first “Glow Down” drew hundreds of families, Bike Rehab built a new pavilion and restored 900 bicycles, and our congregation showed up strong for mission—at Pride events, the Bridge Bread Gala, Sneakers with Soul, the Alzheimer’s Walk, Habitat builds, and more.
Worship attendance continues to rise—40% growth in Modern and 12% in Traditional—with 847 people in worship on All Saints Sunday, the largest non-holiday attendance since before COVID.
We also celebrated Ursula the Organ’s 10th birthday, John Cargile’s 18 years of MUMC organ playing, and Kevin McBeth’s 30 remarkable years of ministry.
And—perhaps most importantly—150 pounds of mints have been stocked in the bathrooms this year! (Yes! Really!)
This church is alive. We’re growing and trying new things while staying rooted in our Wesleyan identity. None of this would be possible without the people who show up: those who build and repair, sing and teach, sack food for kids and count the offering, serve meals, visit the homebound, go on youth retreats, or marshal HVAC contractors through the building.
Financially, we are in a much stronger place than a year ago. In November of 2024, our expenses exceeded giving by nearly $600,000, leading to painful staff and benefit cuts. This year, giving is up 18%—about $300,000!
While we are still operating at a planned deficit, we believe that if our generous spirit is extra strong in November and December, we could end the year at break-even—something unimaginable last year. (Mary Pettit is standing by, ready to take your calls and emails.)
In addition, hundreds of thousands of dollars have flowed through MUMC to support mission partners, and $270,000 has been given to the endowment, including $170,000 for the new Worship Arts Endowment honoring Kevin’s anniversary. This strengthens our future in profound ways.
As we prepare for our 200th anniversary, the congregation helped craft a new vision statement:
“An ever-growing community of Christ followers, gathering around a table open to all, being transformed by God’s grace to actively and fully love God and neighbor.”
This vision is shaping our priorities. In worship, we are strengthening our intergenerational leadership and deepening our connections with United Methodist churches across the region. In devotion, we are working toward a renewed small-group system that helps people build relationships and grow in faith. In justice, we will offer education around systemic challenges. In compassion, we are rebuilding our Companion Care ministry to ensure members who cannot be present are still deeply connected.
There are also significant challenges ahead. Our sanctuary—built in 1999—remains beautiful, but the technology has not kept pace with what modern worship requires or what our traditional services deserve. Basic systems are failing, screens are dim, and lighting needs to be upgraded. The chapel porch and interior need major repair, and our building carries millions of dollars in deferred maintenance, including on its 49 HVAC systems. And we must balance our budget so that we can continue investing wisely in ministry.
For these reasons, it is time for us to begin discerning a capital campaign as we enter our third century of ministry. This work will take time, prayer, honesty, and collective imagination—but I believe God is calling us to it.
Manchester UMC is an extraordinary church. You have weathered challenges with grace, grown in faith, given generously, and shown what a vibrant community of Christ followers looks like. With the Holy Spirit guiding us, the best days of this church lie ahead.
Thank you for your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. Together we will be
“An ever-growing community of Christ followers, gathering around a table open to all, being transformed by God’s grace to actively and fully love God and neighbor.”
It is a joy to be your pastor.
Pastor Ron
From State of the Church- Novemeber 16, 2025
