The Friday Five - 02.20.26
1. Commitment Sunday
This weekend we will have the opportunity to place our estimate of giving cards on the altar in support of the mission and ministry of Milford First UMC. By now, you should have received a card in the mail and had time to pray, discern, and ask, “God, where do you want me to be in my giving this year?”
As we have learned from Jesus, generosity is more than a financial decision—it is a spiritual one. Our giving reflects our trust in God and our desire to grow deeper in our relationship with Christ. When I prayerfully place my resources before God, I experience both humility and joy. It becomes an act of worship—a way of loosening the grip of fear or greed and declaring my trust that all I have ultimately belongs to God.
Our tithes and offerings are about far more than “keeping the lights on” or “paying the bills.” They are a tangible response to God’s goodness and grace. Scripture reminds us that God is “the giver of every good and perfect gift” (James 1:17). Everything we have is first a gift from God. When we give, we participate in God’s work—supporting ministries that care for the vulnerable, nurture faith, strengthen families, and share Christ’s love in our community and around the world.
Thank you for walking this countercultural journey of generosity. I pray you experience the same joy and transformation that comes from surrendering your plans to God’s leading.
Attached you will find a snapshot of where we have been and how your faithful generosity has shaped our ministry in recent years. Printed copies are also available at the resource tables in the Welcome Center and Narthex. The data tells a clear story: generosity is becoming one of our treasured values and a reflection of our desire to join the heart of God—who is always giving.
Last year, our Ministry Action Plan (MAP)—formerly called the budget—was invested in three primary areas:
Personnel (51%) – the pastors, staff, and ministry leaders who serve as missionaries among us and beyond us.
Facilities (26%) – maintaining spaces that allow ministry to flourish.
Missions beyond our walls (23%) – supporting outreach locally and globally.
Compared to many healthy, vibrant churches across the country, we are investing strongly in mission beyond our walls. This year, we sense God calling us to reach more people in our community and to invest further in leadership development. As a result, our MAP will expand—not simply to grow a budget, but to grow disciples and extend Christ’s transforming love.
Thank you for your engagement, your investment, and your partnership in this sacred work. Together, we participate in the greatest mission in the world: that God’s Kingdom would come and God’s will would be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Rev. Kenneth Stewart
Lead Pastor
2. Boundary Waters Trip Info Meeting this Sunday
Have you ever wanted to paddle across quiet lakes, disconnect from the noise of everyday life, and experience God’s breathtaking creation in a memorable way? This Sunday, we’re hosting an information meeting for our upcoming Boundary Waters trip—an unforgettable wilderness adventure open to students and adults ages 14 and older.
The meeting will take place this Sunday at noon in Room 205, immediately following worship. Whether you’re already interested or simply curious, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more.
Our trip will take us into the breathtaking Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, where participants will spend their days paddling scenic waterways, camping along peaceful shorelines, and growing deeper in faith through prayer, reflection, and shared experiences. It’s a chance to step away from distractions, build meaningful friendships, and encounter God in a place you will never forget.
If you’re interested in learning more, plan to join us this Sunday. We’d love to help you explore whether this trip is right for you!
Corina Atherton
Director of Family Ministries
3. Prayer Team Update
The Prayer Team met approximately 47 Wednesdays in 2025 to pray for the situations you placed before us. The prayers were for family, friends, neighbors, and others.
We prayed for those who were grieving, recovering from medical procedures, those fighting diseases like cancer, the lonely, the sad, those in transition, and many whose specific needs we did not know.
In 2026, we gather at 10:00 on Wednesday mornings in the Chapel to blanket the hurts and needs with prayer offered to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Galatians 6:2 — Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Stephanie Judkins
Prayer Team Leader
4. Thank You for Supporting the Milford High School Staff Breakfast
Last Friday morning, our church family had the privilege of serving breakfast to the staff at Milford High School, and what an incredible outpouring of generosity it was.
Because of you, the tables were filled with homemade casseroles, fresh bagels, fruit, and so many other thoughtful contributions. It was clear that this was more than just a meal. It was a tangible expression of care and appreciation for the educators who invest so much in the lives of students every day.
Thank you to everyone who gave their time and talents- those who woke up early to bake, prepared dishes, helped organize, or simply showed up ready to serve. Your kindness made a meaningful impact, and it did not go unnoticed. The staff were deeply grateful and truly encouraged by the gesture.
We were also thankful to partner with our sister church, Calvary UMC, in this effort. Working together allowed us to extend even greater hospitality and demonstrate the strength of our shared commitment to our local schools.
Moments like this reflect one of the great joys of being part of Milford First: the opportunity to serve others and build lasting relationships. Supporting the Milford School District is one of the many ways we live out our mission to love and care for our neighbors.
Please continue to be on the lookout for future opportunities to support our local schools and community. Your generosity makes a difference, and together, we are helping members of our community feel the love and support they deserve. As always, feel free to contact Corina if you have any questions or would like to get involved with future opportunities.
Corina Atherton
Director of Family Ministries
5. Dinner at the Wesley House!
On February 10, a Missions team of four (Carol and Fred Thomas, Lora Thompson and Chip Conway) took dinner to the Wesley House in Clifton for their weekly Tuesday Thing, a free meal and fellowship opportunity for UC students.
Over 20 students were there for the dinner (which was greatly appreciated); as an added bonus we were able to hear lots of details about their recent Freedom Journey to Montgomery, Alabama (which we helped to sponsor). It was clearly an impactful trip, with one participant saying it changed him forever. Thanks to all who donated to that trip and to this experience!
Chip Conway
