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First Assembly of God Newsletter February 2010 |
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As we begin another year of ministry here at First Assembly, I am excited about the potential that the new year provides. I believe that we have great opportunities awaiting us as we strive to effectively minister to our community. Our Strategic Planning Committee made a presentation at our annual business meeting and outlined some of the goals we have as a church over the next several years. I would like to highlght a few, and encourage you to join me in prayer as to what role you play in making them a reality. As a church, we should set a goal to have 500 attendees in Sunday morning services three years from now; 700 attendees in five years; and 1,000 in ten years. This could be easily done if everyone would invite someone to church every week. Our church will strive to be intentional in expressing what is required of individuals who want to call First A/G their home church. We will begin this process at the initial entry point (first-time visit) to our church, continue through entry point classes, and challenge the individual to spiritual maturity through our small groups. Our goal is to develop an array of Godly experiences that will meet the spiritual and social needs of the individual. It is understandable that the individual may not participate in every service offered, but our goal is to have them leave from a service or event knowing that they are appreciated. An important element in achieving this is the immediate and concerted effort to implement a robust small group ministry. Our goal is for First A/G to become a vibrant community of believers that provides opportunities for individual spiritual growth, remains relevant to our local communities, and demonstrates our committment to U.S. and world missions by an increase of our contributions in time and resources. Church attendees will be highly encouraged to join a small group as some key services of the church will be structured around small groups. Our goal is to have this important ministry in place by early Spring. Another way to promote fellowship is to have Sunday Suppers every two months. This provides a great opportunity for fellowship, and also a way to meet new people. Our next potluck supper will be held Sunday, February 14th at 5:00 p.m. Bring a main dish and dessert of your choice and join us for an evening of fun. These are only a few of the goals presented by the Strategic Planning Committee. Space does not permit me to list them all. However, we will continue to list them in forthcoming communications. In closing, I would like to thank those who served on the committee, and commend you for a job well done. —Pastor Jeff |
BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATOR NOTES
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By the time you read this, our annual business meeting should have taken place. We want to thank all of you who came out to conduct the important business of the church. Please keep the newly elected officers in prayer that they will have a spirit of unity and exercise divine wisdom in accomplishing God's will for our church in 2010. For those of you who were unable to attend the meeting, I will provide a brief overview of the financial highlights for 2009. As you know, 2009 was a tough year for the economy. For most of the year the church expenses were exceeding income. But praise the Lord, December turned out to be a banner month. We ended up 2009 with income exceeding expenses by a little over $60,000. We thank God for His faithful provision and all those who give to the support of His church here at First Assembly. Our 2009 income of about $610,000 exceeded the 2008 income by $27,000. We are thankful that we are one a sound fiscal basis and have consistently paid all of our bills in a timely manner. In 2009 we contributed 19% ($92,000) of our tithes and designated offerings to supporting approximately 85 mission projects around the world. We were also able to provide assistance to several dozen needy families and individuals with our benevolence program. It is our firm beief that as we bless others, God will bless us in return. All indications are that the economic challenges for our country will continue well into 2010. We can only be thankful that God is not limited by wordly circumstances — He will provide the means to accomplish His purpose here at First Assembly. Pastor Jeff has been encouraging us in his recent messages to make 2010 the best year ever. In addition, the Strategic Planning Committee has identified some actions they believe will take our church to the next level of service to God and our community, Your church leadership is excited about the possibilities that lay ahead. One of my favorite scriptures is Ephesians 3:20 - "God is able to do exceedingly abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." If we all work together to let that power work through us, we will be amazed at what gets accomplished for God's glory. I want to personally thank you for your support and encouragement throughout 2009. It is greatly appreciated. May God richly bless all of you in the year to come. — Steve Parsons |
