Letter from Our Pastor

 

Dear Emerge, 

As we reflect on the unwavering faithfulness of God, our hearts are overflowing with the confidence to plant seeds for the future. The enduring love we experience today is our assurance that God orchestrates the days to come. We find ourselves standing on the shoulders of those who, with boundless generosity, sowed the seeds of sacrifice to get us to this point. 

In November, we took a moment to contemplate the profuse harvest in the Kingdom, rejoicing in the remarkable work that God accomplished through our church family. As we approach the season, we are committed to making the most significant impact for the least of these through our R.E.A.C.H. offerings. 

R.E.A.C.H. represents an extraordinary opportunity for us to excel beyond our routine giving, invest in the divine vision given to us, and unlock the miraculous potential awaiting us in the upcoming year. We extend an invitation for you to prayerfully join us in this initiative. The divine hand of God is at work within us and through us, not just in Berkeley but also beyond. 

We express our deepest gratitude for your generosity and partnership. Emerge, our community, wouldn't be where it is without your support. 

Dr. Garfield Harvey 

R.E.A.C.H.

 

R - Relate: Engage with the community on a personal level, building relationships and understanding their needs and concerns. 

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others." — Philippians 2:4 (ESV) 

E - Empower: Empower individuals by providing them with the tools, resources, and knowledge necessary for personal and community development. 

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV) 

A - Advance: Advance the mission of Emerge Berkeley by actively and purposefully moving forward in fulfilling the core objectives and values of our church. 

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." — Proverbs 16:3 (ESV) 

C – Compassion: Demonstrate genuine care and empathy for individuals by seeing each moment as an opportunity to understand, support and uplift others. 

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." — Colossians 3:12 (ESV) 

H - Help: Extend a helping hand by actively participating in community service projects and initiatives that directly address identified needs. 

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." — Matthew 25:35 (ESV) 

R.E.A.C.H. Projects
  • Compassion Center: Our compassion center aligns with the core principles of Emerge, reflecting a commitment to live out the teachings of compassion and service emphasized in the Bible. It will serve as an avenue for Emerge to actively engage with and support our local community by providing a tangible way to address the practical needs of individuals and families. 
  • Preschool: Our preschool launch aligns with the broader mission of fostering community engagement, providing educational support, connecting with families, and nurturing young minds.
  • Pursuit College Ministry: Our college initiative is a strategic approach for Emerge to engage with and support the unique needs of college students, fostering spiritual growth, community, and leadership development in an intellectually stimulating environment.
  • Local/Global Impact: The expansion of our local and global impact will help change spiritually and tangibly the lives of people locally and globally through several missionaries and missional organizations across two continents and the United States.
How Can We Accelerate the Vision?

 

We hope that every person will prayerfully consider being a part of the R.E.A.C.H. Initiative. While we’re not asking you for an amount to give, if God impresses on your heart to donate, we’ve included an option on the giving section of our website. Here are a few suggestions to help your generosity go further. 

If you’d like to give but are unsure how much to give? Consider a gift of $50. You can also become a recurring giver of any amount. 

Emerge doesn’t focus on telling people how much to give; we encourage everyone to pray about it! We believe God will speak to us about our giving if we ask. Our heart beats for generosity. Why? For every dollar invested, we see the Kingdom of God expand; souls saved, lives transformed, people clothed and fed, and so much more. 

How does R.E.A.C.H. differ from Sunday giving? 

R.E.A.C.H. is a special project in addition to regular tithes and offerings. These funds are put towards the projects outlined above. 

Will my small contribution make an impact? 

All financial contributions, regardless of size, make a huge difference! If everyone contributed a small amount, the cumulative effect would be greater than if only those who gave large amounts contributed. 

No matter the size, contributions always have a significant impact and make a difference. Emerge is grateful for every gift that is sent our way. Thank you for being a part of what God is building here! 

Can I Give In-Kind Gifts of Stocks or Bonds? 

Of course! There can be tremendous tax benefits for you by giving in-kind gifts. It’s straightforward. Visit www.emergeberkeley.org/ 

Are My Gifts Tax-Deductible? 

All gifts to Emerge, whether regular offerings or R.E.A.C.H. projects are tax-deductible. Please include your name and address when you give so that a receipt can be sent to you for your tax preparations. You are not required to utilize a tax deduction for your gift, but it is available.