2023 was a busy and transformative year for Collegiate United Methodist Church and Wesley Foundation! Our digital and in-person attendance has averaged in excess of 200 people during the course of 2023, and more than 400 people have chosen to celebrate Easter and Christmas by attending services at Collegiate Wesley.
As part of our transformation, the Church Council reaffirmed the importance of the Campus Ministry as part of our purpose. We welcomed Lewis Cox to the position of Associate Pastor/Campus Minister. We are also developing a financial plan for the sustainability of Collegiate Wesley.
Our programs and opportunities for involvement are almost too numerous to mention. To highlight a few:
- Music program with Adult Choir, Children’s Choir, Bell Choir, special offerings and concerts.
- Wesley Foundation ministry.
- Sunday School and adult Sunday School programs.
- Bible Study programs at Green Hills an Northcrest Retirement Communities.
- Summer mission programs for children and youth.
- Women’s Koinonia group.
- Providing clothing for those in need through Clothing that Works, and food through the Little Food Pantry.
- Providing opportunities for missions through serving at Food at First and helping with other missions throughout the year.
- Supported Ames Pridefest, RAGBRAII, and the Fourth of July Parade.
There are many other programs and ways to participate. There is a place for everyone at Collegiate Wesley.
As we continue to grow in our ministry to one another and to the world, we plan to support our ministries with more than $750,000 in 2023. In the past few months, Church Council has been presenting our progress on our longer-term financial plan for sustainability at Collegiate Wesley. To this end we are looking for ways to continue reducing costs while maintaining vital ministries and ensuring good use of our assets. We are asking that you thoughtfully and prayerfully consider your estimated contribution for 2024 and consider increasing your giving. Your giving is vital to supporting these wonderful ministries that make up the Collegiate Wesley Community.
Your contributions are an essential part of our financial maintenance and growth. Please fill out your enclosed pledge card and return it during the Generosity Sunday service on November 19, where we will celebrate together. You can also mail it to:
Collegiate United Methodist Church/Wesley Foundation
Attn: Generosity
2622 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50014
This year, you also have the option to pledge online. You can go to our Giving page at www.cwames.org and click the link for the 2024 Generosity Campaign. You can also access the online Generosity Card by utilizing the QR code below.
Thank you for your faithfulness and support.
Your 2024 Stewardship team,
Mary Bellon, Senior Pastor
Jeff Elver, Finance Committee Chair
Jason Janssen, Financial Secretary
Max Morris, Finance Committee
Patty King, Finance Committee
P.S. Your Estimate of Giving allows us to fund all the ministries mentioned here as well as many others. Please return your card as soon as you are able. Thank you for your generosity!
