Connect Newsletter – Note From Pastor (11-07-2025)

November 8, 2025 / Connect UMC / Comments Off

A Message From Pastor AdamHello Church Family!

Hello Church Family,

I hope you’re all having a wonderful week! God continues to bless us in so many ways, and it’s important that we take time to be grateful for those blessings. Over the past week, I’ve been focusing on gratitude—remembering how vital it is to pause and say “thank you” to God for His goodness.

Of course, life also brings challenges. With the current government shutdown, several families in our church and community have been affected by the reduction in SNAP benefits. Because of your generosity, we’ve already been able to help meet some of those needs. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus.

As the future remains uncertain, we want to continue offering support. If you’d like to contribute toward helping families in need during this time, please consider donating here (please select the “Connect Food Assistance” fund). Your gifts will go directly toward supporting local families. We are supporting Project 66, a wonderful food pantry ministry right here in our community, and meeting some needs directly. If you or your family are in need, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the church office—we’re here for you.

Our church is able to meet needs like these—and do so much more throughout the year—because of the faithfulness and generosity of our incredible church family. As we look ahead to 2026, our leadership team is prayerfully planning and dreaming for the coming year. To do this well, we need your help. Each year, members of the Connect Church family are asked to fill out a pledge card, which helps us make wise ministry plans, and budget for the year ahead.

This year, our goal is to have all pledges turned in by November 23rd. Please see the section below for more details about Pledge Sunday.

I’m so grateful to be part of such a loving and generous church family. Thank you for the many ways you serve, give, and support one another. I look forward to seeing you all soon!Blessings to you all, and I hope to see you soon!

Pastor Adam Ricks

Christmas Season Service Opportunities

For this Advent season Connect Church is partnering with two organizations for opportunities to serve families in need. Both of these opportunities are a great chance to share God’s love during this holiday season.

Christmas Store at Jubilee PartnersJubilee partners is a ministry in Oklahoma City providing an afterschool and summer program for low income families. Every year they host a holiday store for the students. This holiday store gives them an opportunity to ‘shop’ for their loved ones. This is a great ministry to remind the kids that gives these kids an opportunity to be generous. Volunteers can help with wrapping, serving the meal, and helping the kids with crafts. You are welcome to come volunteer for all or part of the event.When: December 18th
Time: 3:30-7:00 PM

Christmas Gift of Hope
The Hope center of Edmond does an excellent job finding families in need during the holiday season. Connect Church partners with the Hope center to help make an amazing Christmas for the families who find themselves in a difficult situation during the holiday season. Please be on the lookout for the “mission tree” beginning November 30th for an opportunity to buy gifts for those who could use a little Christmas generosity.

Signup to volunteer at this event

2026 Financial Commitment
It’s hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by! As I look back over everything God has done through our church in the past year, my heart is full of gratitude and joy. Once again, we’ve welcomed new families into our community, and many have begun a new relationship with Jesus. In a world filled with division, anger, and anxiety, moments like these remind us of the incredible power of God’s peace. Every time someone finds faith, hope, and love within our church family, we get to celebrate God’s transforming grace at work. At Connect Church, we take seriously our calling to live out friendship, community, and a deep love for Jesus. The world needs more people who have experienced God’s grace—and who are eager to share it. Together, we are a small but vital part of making our world more loving and more like the Kingdom of God.

This year, we’ve not only welcomed new people—we’ve also grown together in remarkable ways. Early in the year, several of our members with long and faithful marriages led a powerful multi-week class called Love to Stay, sharing wisdom about how to build healthy, lasting relationships. Throughout the year, our Connect Groups have continued to thrive. In Crushing Chaos, we learned how to bring peaceful order to our lives, and we were blessed to host the author of the book We Believe, who guided us through the history and beauty of the Nicene Creed.

Our children have also continued to grow in faith and joy—not just on Sunday mornings, but through special events that made the Bible come alive. Most recently, at our Fall Carnival, they explored the story of the Prodigal Son in a fun and unforgettable way. The children and adults also had a blast at our Fall Carnival. There are so many more stories I could share—each one a testimony of God’s presence in our church family.

As we look ahead, I want to let you know that we are now entering our planning season for 2026. In the coming weeks, our leadership team will gather to pray, dream, and plan for the future of Connect Church. A vital part of that process is preparing our budget for the coming year—and that’s where we need your help. I’m asking each member of our church family to pray diligently about how God is calling you to give. After praying about your giving please fill out your 2026 Financial Commitment. This informatino will be used to make our 2026 church budget. Your generosity makes ministry possible. When we each answer God’s call individually, we empower our church to answer His call together. As the Body of Christ, we can accomplish far more united than any of us could alone.

Our goal is to have all pledge cards returned by Sunday, November 23rd.

Thank you for your faith, your generosity, and your commitment to helping Connect Church share God’s love. I’m deeply grateful to serve alongside you as we continue building a community where everyone can connect with God and with one another.

With love and gratitude,
Pastor Adam Ricks
Senior Pastor – Connect UMC

Make your 2026 Financial Commitment Here
(link will take you to online 2026 financial pledge form)

UPCOMING ADVENT SERMON SERIES

Waiting Beneath the Star – Advent Connect Group
Starts December 7^th 5:00pm – 6:15pm:
Adult bible study group, led by Pastor Adam Ricks.
Meets Sundays, 3 sessions only (December 7, 14^th, & 21^st)
Study group meets at Connect UMC.
Childcare is available with advance reservations.
Email Meghan Soper (growing@connectumc.org) to register.

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