Sabbath Rest
July 2025
To the Congregation of Grace United Methodist Church,
The summer is here and it’s time for a different kind of rhythm! Did you know that many parts of the Bible command rest? It might seem like a strange thing to demand of someone who follows God, but there are many beautiful reasons why this is required. One of them is that it is a way of reminding ourselves that we are free from slavery! We might feel like work or cleaning or taking care of the kids is required, and we can get stuck in a rut with seemingly no options. That’s exactly what sabbath is about. We rest, we renew our bodies and minds, so that we can be free from routines and rhythms and patterns that can become destructive. We are free! I think God celebrates when find ways of being in this world that bring us new life. I hope you’ll find opportunities to do that this summer.
As always, if you’d like to give a gift in support of Grace United Methodist Church, you can use the envelopes at church, go online at gumc.org/giving or mail a check to 555 Russell Avenue in Wyckoff, NJ 07481. Just like last year, we also want to invite those who may be traveling or spending time elsewhere to “pre-pay” this summer. If you have the financial ability to do so, why not give your gift to the church before you leave, so that you can spend that time resting and relaxing knowing that the church has its financial needs taken care of this summer. Every bit helps in these summer months! You can find the summer events happening at Grace using the link below. God bless!
In Christ, Pastor Brian Neville
73 or Older? Want to Save on Taxes and Help the Church?
If you are 73 or older and have a 401(k), 403(b) or traditional IRA retirement plan, you can take your required minimum distribution (RMD), which is required by law to be distributed, and give any amount of it you wish to your church or other charity tax-free! If the money is not given directly to a church or charity you will be taxed on it as additional income. Some people can give Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) as early as 70½, so check with your broker.
We hope you’ll consider giving this special tax-free gift to Grace United Methodist Church. You must have the distribution go directly to the church. It must never be deposited in your personal account, or it will be taxable. You can take advantage of this tax-free giving any time during 2025, but we hope you will help the church by doing this sometime during the summer. A broker can assist you with your distribution, but if you have any questions, you can contact Alma Mader, finance chair, or call the church office at 201-891-4595.