First Presbyterian Church

September 18, 2025

Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Berthoud,

I’ve recently been meditating on Romans 1:16, where the Apostle Paul writes, “I am not
ashamed of the Gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” By
“the Gospel,” Paul means the good news about Jesus Christ, the message that through
Jesus’ cross and resurrection God has forgiven our sins, freed us from death, and begun
renewing the entire world. And the announcement of this news is intrinsically powerful. This
message about Christ’s work on the cross doesn’t need to be dressed up with eloquent
speech or expounded with clever arguments (1 Corinthians 1:17-25, 2:1-4). It simply needs to
be proclaimed and heard (Romans 10:14-17). And this is why the Church exists: to proclaim
the powerful news of the Gospel.

Our church’s mission statement reflects this truth: “We are a community that embodies and
proclaims the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We strive to be a living sacrifice, offering our lives in
generous service and faithful witness.” The second sentence in that statement alludes to
Romans 12, which goes on to list examples of the talents God has given us so that we may
proclaim the Gospel: teaching, service, generosity, leadership, compassion, and
encouragement (Romans 12:6-8). Each talent and resource God has given contributes to the
Church’s mission. That means you have a vital contribution to share.

You already see these gifts at work among us: For the past few years, various congregation
members have joined in the ministry of teaching. Our Elders use their gifts of administration
and our Deacons exercise compassion and care. Others in our congregation share their
musical talents, volunteer to care for church property, or assist in administration. Many of you
generously give of your resources to support First Presbyterian Church of Berthoud, as well.

As we plan for the coming year in ministry together, I want to invite you to share your gifts in
support of our church’s proclamation of the Gospel. For some, that may mean offering your
time in a new form of service. For others, it may mean making a commitment to give
financially, whether for the first time or by renewing and even increasing your giving. Your
participation matters, and I pray that God will inspire your response.

Enclosed (click here) is a commitment card where you can indicate both your intention to support the
church financially and the ways you feel called to serve in 2026. If you worship with us in
person, please bring your card with you to worship on Stewardship Sunday, October 19, at
10:00 a.m., when we will collectively offer these commitments to God. You may also mail your
card back to the church in the enclosed envelope. Your responses will inform our 2026
budget and our nominees for new officers in the church, all of which will be presented at our
Annual Congregational Meeting on November 16, following worship.

Thank you for sharing your gifts so that First Presbyterian Church of Berthoud may continue
to proclaim the good news.
Grace and Peace,

Pastor Chris