David C. Teel, Director of Laity in Leadership for Discipleship Ministries, presented the One Matters Award to the Stuart-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in the Aldersgate District.
The One Matters Award recognizes congregations that have experienced at least one baptism or one profession of faith in the last year after having had a year where they didn't have any. Each church that wins the award receives a plaque and $1,000 to invest in the church's ministry.
Watch the One Matters Award presentation on Vimeo.
In 2022, Stuart-Mt. Vernon had three baptisms, two adult professions of faith, and one membership transfer. So far, in 2023, they have already had two baptisms, six adult professions of faith, six confirmations, and two new membership transfers. Their average worship attendance went from 45 to 70.
Rev. Melissa Drake, the Aldersgate District Superintendent, said that the Holy Spirit has "showed up" and that Stuart-Mt. Vernon has been intentional about being a welcoming and hospitable congregation. They developed a hospitality team that developed welcoming spaces for people to come and ways to follow up. They have taken building intergenerational ministries and relationships seriously, where everybody comes into the church and works on being in a relationship and community that matters.
