“Mom, I can do that.”
That’s what eight-year-old James Foley said when he picked up our Lighting the Way Capital Campaign brochure one afternoon at church. He had just read through the list of needed repairs and updates, flipped to the page about giving, and decided—without hesitation—that he wanted to be part of it.
Since that day, James has been one of the most faithful observers of our campaign thermometer in the Atrium. He’s noticed when the red line wasn’t moving fast enough. He’s asked questions. He’s paid attention. And then this month, James decided it was time to act. He talked with his parents, gathered his own money, and made his very own commitment to the campaign—first online, and then again on a paper commitment card.
What touched me most was when his mom told me that James had asked if they could have a smaller birthday celebration this year… just so he could give more to the church.
As someone who’s helped share this campaign with our congregation, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about building updates, HVAC systems, and budget goals. But James reminded me what this is really about.
It’s about the transformation that happens inside our church walls—the kind that stirs even the youngest among us to action. It’s about how God works through the little moments—a brochure in the hands of a child, a question whispered to a parent—to spark something big.
This past Sunday, we invited James to help move the red line on our campaign thermometer. Watching him beam with pride was more than just heartwarming. It was holy. It reminded me that generosity doesn’t start when we’re old enough to understand stewardship—it starts when we experience the love and purpose of a church family and feel called to respond.
James is part of our Early Childhood Music School, Messy Church, Messy Church Camp, Wesley Choir, and serves as a Jr. Acolyte. He’s already finding ways to live his faith, serve others, and give back.
And I can’t help but wonder:
Will we follow in his footsteps?
Will we notice the work God is doing in and around us, and respond with open hearts?
Will we be part of keeping that movement going?
As of this month, we’ve received $1,306,812 in pledges and contributions toward our $1.7 million goal. Every dollar given—every act of generosity—is lighting the way forward. And James has reminded me that we are never too young (or too old) to make a difference.
~ Michelle Roy, WUMC Director of Congregation and Community Engagement