Dear Church Family, This is an interesting and encouraging time for BUMC. We are currently enjoying a stable and positive environment in most every area, including membership, attendance, giving and morale, with exceptional ministries occurring virtually 365 days a year. But I also know, deep in my heart and soul, that greater days are in front of us. For example, as I work with our capable leaders, we see the need to grow into a higher-commitment church, more fully living out our core spiritual practices to worship, connect, serve, invite and give. There is evidence this is already happening. Over the past

two weeks of our "Real Life Ahead: Fully Alive in Christ" emphasis, large numbers of our congregation have made significant and concrete commitments to enrich their spiritual lives. Our leaders also see us engaging far more of our members and friends in hands-on ministry, both in our community and beyond. We see us growing in spiritual depth and maturity. We see BUMC reaching many new people for Christ and church. We see us prayerfully exploring the possibility of adding additional places where our ministry can expand. Eventually, we want to earn the role of being a teaching church, helping clergy, lay leaders and other congregations learn how to be more effective in their ministry. It would also be thrilling to see God use us to help call and train young people to serve as future spiritual leaders of the United Methodist Church. This is already happening to some extent, and it could become a major part of our future. There are many exciting dreams to be explored as we work together in the years ahead. The possibilities are endless.

Our leadership team believes our current SLI process is the bridge that will lead us from where we currently are to where we are headed. Just last night, our SLI team made a presentation to some of our key leaders in the church. The SLI process shifts our attention away from a short-term focus, leading us instead toward long-term vitality. A more vibrant future for BUMC will primarily happen through the blessing and Spirit of God. But it will also require church-wide alignment in values, mission, vision and concrete strategies. That important work has already begun, and will continue as we build strong teams of spiritual leaders that intentionally and prayerfully lead us into God's future for BUMC. Like yeast in the bread, or a mustard seed in the ground, it will start small. But as the years progress, it will have a profound impact on our life together, creating a transformational environment where we fully live out Christ's Great Commandment to love God and others. We'll be sharing more in the months ahead about the SLI process. I can't wait to see what God is going to do with BUMC in the years to come. And I'm grateful to God every day for the privilege of being a part of this ongoing story. If you missed last weekend's emphasis on "Finding Real Life through Scripture," and would like to fill out a commitment card stepping up your commitment to reading and studying Scripture, click here. Finally, it was good to receive Keeling Baird as a new member. Welcome to our church family. In Christ's Love and Service, Martin