This Sunday is the culmination of our emphasis on pledging our budget for next year. We have been inspired by wonderful testimonies and meaningful worship. A congregation, similar to many not-for-profit causes, and yet unlike any other entity in the world, is purely dependent on the voluntary gifts of those who have joined their lives with it as their cause. No other relationship in your life will be there for the birth of your child, their spiritual education, call them to great ideals or stand with them in crisis and recovery in life. No other organization to which you will ever affiliate carries the responsibility to love you and carry you through marriage and family’s seasons and walk with you through the valley of the shadow. Just a moment ago, it seems, I answered God’s call as a 16 year old boy to care for God’s church. I have now served the Lord in the church for thirty-six years in various positions. I have given my life to this imperfect, messy, constantly changing, beautiful, inspiring, hopeful calling. Its disappointments have been renewed by the waters of forgiveness and new beginnings. Its shortcomings are tempered by its generosity and sacrifices. I am proud to serve here, among this people. Together, we can live up to great things God might do through us together. We have only to believe in one another and in God. Will you help?
On Wednesday evening in our Business Conference, I reported that we had 140 pledges in hand totaling $820,975. My hope is that we can surpass last year’s pledges of $1,470,755. If so, we will be able to operate our facilities, compensate the wonderful staff who serve you, fund our missions and, depending on the outcome, consider some new possibilities. It depends on all of us! Will you help?
This emphasis will culminate on this Sunday, October 16 with our Commitment March. We will invite everyone to come and place a commitment card in the "little church" at the front of the sanctuary. You can, of course, pledge before then and many already have. But we can make other commitments on those cards—personal commitments, volunteering to do mission work or help with a ministry. Will you help?
Celebration Together at Oak Mountain!
For Sunday we have rented the Dogwood Pavillion at Oak Mountain, where we will have an outdoor communion service and supper together beginning at 4:00 p.m. The church will provide the meat. Please bring a side dish to share. The Deacons will bring desserts. Bring a chair and your own toys! Admission to the park is $3 per person for ages 12—61; just $1 per person for ages 6-11 and for ages 62+ . See you there! In a relaxed atmosphere, we’ll spend time getting to know each other, breaking bread and adore each other’s children. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Links to Fisher Humphreys Class from July
I was on vacation when the fourth class offered by Fisher Humphreys took place. It is now up on YouTube and available for viewing. I want to thank Dr. Humphreys for his excellent presentations.
Session 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqcxF-jv9Kg
S ession 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pmsj0urf0s8
Session 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjFYJOK-bAg
Session 4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=BjsXIVqIdfw
|
