End of Year Letter

Dear friends in Christ,

As we come to the close of the year, we give thanks for the many ways God has been at work at Leander UMC. This has been a season of growth, deepening relationships, and steady renewal. Renewal rarely comes with fanfare; it grows through faithful practices – showing up, praying for one another, serving our neighbors, and trusting that God is still moving among us.

And friends, God is moving here.

This year has been rich with worship, learning, and shared leadership. Through studies, classes, and the leadership of our youth, people of all ages have shared their gifts and strengthened our life together. We welcomed 23 new members, and many occasional visitors are now active leaders – signs of discipleship taking root. Our worship life continues to grow through expanded digital ministry and shared worship with neighboring United Methodist congregations, reminding us that we are part of a wider church, united in grace and mission.

Our service and outreach continue to shape our witness. Hundreds of neighbors joined us through the Pumpkin Patch and Easter Egg Hunt. Your generous response to support our Sandy Creek neighbors after catastrophic flooding was a powerful testimony to loving our neighbors. Through local partnerships, we continue to serve those facing food and housing insecurity.

As we celebrate these signs of growth, we also want to speak honestly about our financial reality. Giving has increased this year, and stewardship participation continues to rise – real signs of hope. At the same time, we relied on reserves in 2025, using approximately $41,000 to sustain our ministry, and we anticipate needing to do so again in 2026. These funds were set aside for seasons like this one, and we are grateful for the faithfulness that made them possible. Still, we remain committed to moving toward long-term financial stability.

For this reason, we invite you to consider making a generous year-end gift to Leander UMC prayerfully. A strong Christmas offering will help us finish 2025 well and enter 2026 with confidence – supporting worship, discipleship, youth ministry, outreach, and the daily work that keeps our church thriving. Year-end gifts may be made online, by mail, or in worship, and gifts received by December 31 will count toward the 2025 tax year.

Friends, we are deeply hopeful about the future of Leander UMC.

We see signs of new life everywhere – in our children, in new members, and in longtime leaders. God is shaping something good and beautiful here, and together we are building a church rooted in grace and growing in mission.

Thank you for your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness—and for the generous spirit that carries us forward.

With gratitude,

Ryan, Kevin, and John