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NE WINNETKA WEEKLY TALK, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1923 Is a Church "Larger" than Its Present Membership? 1003 homes will be called upon tomorrow by representatives of the Winnetka Congregational Church. That is a larger number of homes, by far, than the actual membership of the church. And since one purpose of these visits is to ask pledges for financial support for the Budget for 1924, the question naturally arises: How far should the Church go in the solicitation of its funds? Can a church, in its service, in its influence, in its rightful claim, be larger than its membership? [Is it wise, is it fair to extend such an invita- tion so far? Let us make clear at the outset that the Congregational Church seeks not to compete with other churches. Winnetka, thank goodness, is free from church com- petition. We are for churches, not our Church only. And no call is to be made, knowingly, upon those whose duty or inclination is to support some other church. But there are hundreds of families in Winnetka who have not yet committed themselves to any Winnetka church. There are hundreds who do not attend church services. There are scores where children go regularly, but where parents have not vet started. Should our representatives call at these homes? Perhaps the answer is best made in the simple statement that there are two purposes of tomorrow's canvass--one quite as important as the other. We seek to- morrow not only to ask: "What will you do for the church?" but also "What can the church do for your" > We carry an invitation as well as a pledge card. We carry the desire of the Church that it may serve more people--an explanation of its purpose--a welcome to its several services--a reassurance of its non-sectarian ideals--a demonstration of its fellowship and its cordiality to the newcomer. A few facts for newcomers: Twenty-three denominations bound to- Physical, educational and recreational gether under the Congregational name service not through its own organiza- but laying no emphasis upon denomina- tion but by its members through an in- tional differences. 2 : : dependent Community House, which though owned as property by the Church, is managed by a Board of Governors representative, in purpose and in action, of the village as a whole. Services with worshipful music and in- spiring preaching. A Church School which develops moral fibre and standards of unselfishness in youth. There are tangible benefits to members and attendants at Church and Commun- ity House but there are intangible influences, of even greater significance, to all whom the Church seeks to serve. What sort of a village would Winnetka be without churches--our Church and the others? How many are the movements for our welfare that have sprung from church in- spiration, under the leadership of Christian people, seeking not the advancement of the Church but the advancement of good citizenship and unselfish community ser- vice! We answer: the Congregational Church is larger than its present membership. grey 18 g I Therefore, we want, on Sunday, more of Winnetka to know of its ideals and its work. We want, on Sunday, more than merely its membership to share in its support-- wherever such support 1s deserved. If you are called upon next Sunday, remember that this is a Church can- vass as well as a financial one. Find out what this modern institution is doing. We believe ou will want to share in its activities and support its work. The FINANCE COMMITTEE of the WINNETKA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH