Dear members and friends of Franklin United Methodist Church,
This year marks an important anniversary for the Franklin United Methodist Church. 150 years ago, a small group of individuals regathered and committed to starting a church. This was the second attempt at starting a Methodist community of faith in Franklin. The first attempt began in 1853 but officially disbanded in 1857. The records of the church note that “Methodism now seemed a failure. The good seed sown was apparently lost. But it was destined to appear again in after years.”
In the summer of 1871, a small group (known as a class meeting) was organized with Wesley W. Haslam as the leader. In October of that same year, Rev. J.R. Cushing, a student of Boston University, was appointed as the supply pastor. Church services were held in the Town Hall. This small and determined group birthed the Franklin United Methodist Church as we know it today. Their commitment to building a community of faith led them to receive a full-time clergyperson and, in less than a year, purchase a lot, lay the foundation, and begin construction on the building we worship in today.
Over these last six months, as we have slowly reopened the church to in-person activities and restarted ministries that were halted for over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it feels like we are regathering much like our spiritual ancestors did 150 years ago. We are being called back together to restart and build the church. The question before us is will we, like our spiritual ancestors did a century and a half ago, commit our time and resources to make our vision of church a reality?
On Sunday, October 31, the church officially adopted an updated vision statement which states that
The Franklin United Methodist Church
seeks to be a community
where all can experience meaningful relationship with God,
grow in Christ, and
reach out in love to others;
a community
where all can love and be loved
and be accepted as you are.
The financial resources to implement our vision come primarily from individuals like you. Please prayerfully consider the contribution you can make to the realization of our vision through your financial giving in 2022. You can make your commitment online by clicking here. You can also hand in a paper commitment card in the offering plate or return it to the church office by November 21, 2021. If you did not receive a paper commitment card in the mail and you’d like one, please email the Church Office and we will mail you one.
Thank you for being a vital part of this community of faith. And, thank you for your commitment to making our vision a reality.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Juncker, Pastor
George Remus, Treasurer