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In the lessons of life, facts reveal to us that for anything to remain healthy it must be open and accepting of change. The same is true for the church. We need to be careful that we do not only value tradition, but imagine a larger future. It is important for the church to periodically examine why we do what we do, and ask what we can do to make it not only better, but make it the best it can be.
We need to ask ourselves, "What are we trying to accomplish?" and "Who is responsible for what?" It is important to maintain an attitude that is open to making necessary and effective changes. My goal as your pastor along with the church leadership is to help us as a church to imagine a larger future for First Assembly. I want to encourage you to start thinking of First Assembly as a church that God has anointed to reach out to the 80% of Rockingham County that are not in church on Sunday. Let's start praying daily and asking God for direction as to what role do each of us play in making this a reality. Let's collectively break the yoke of a "small church" mentality, and start seeking God for His agenda to be fulfilled through us.
I would like to see the following things take place this year here at First A/G. I want to encourage everyone to become involved in a home group this year. This is an important ministry that will help our church to grow spiritually as well as numerically. It is a great opportunity for evangelism by inviting unsaved friends, discipleship by studying God's word together in a small group setting, and fellowship by building strong friendships. A list of established home groups is listed in the weekly church bulletin, and we would always welcome the opportunity to start new ones. Come speak with me if you would like to start a group in your home.
Second, I know that we are living in tough economic times, but I challenge you to faithfully honor God with your tithes and offerings. If what you are presently doing with your finances isn't working, why not try doing it God's way? In Malachi 3:10 God says, "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this, says the Lord of hosts, If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it." God will never allow you to out give Him. Honor Him with your first tenth and prepare to receive His blessing.
Last, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of becoming involved in a ministry. There are numerous opportunities ranging from teaching a Sunday school class to driving a church van. Maybe you would like to serve refreshments, usher, be a church greeter, or help with church dinners. These are just a few of the ministries that need additional help. We don't all have the same talents, but it is the combining of our talents that makes the church body healthy and complete. You are never too old or too young to become involved, and everyone plays an important part in helping us reach our diversified community for Christ. Our goal is to not settle for just good, but excellence. May God's blessings be poured out on you as we faithfully work together in reaching the lost with the Gospel message.
—Pastor Jeff |
BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATOR
NOTES
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Our annual business meeting should have been completed by the time you receive this. We sincerely 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 2011. For those of you who were unable to attend the meeting I will provide a brief overview of the financial highlights for 2010.
Early in 2010 the Administrative Board decided to fund two much needed improvements. These projects were renovations to the nursery and sealing of the parking lot. Late in the year it became necessary to replace the drum set in the main sanctuary. The Board also made the decision in 2010 to use accumulated savings from previous years to pay down our bond (loan) fund by approximately $35,000. This prudent action will result in substantial savings to the church in future interest payments.
As you know, 2010 was a tough year for the economy. Like many other churches, we also felt the financial pinch. We ended up 2010 with expenses exceeding income by about $31,000. This deficit can be attributed to the additional bond payment. Had we not made the additional bond payment we would have finished the year a few thousand dollars in the black. We thank God for His faithful provision and all those who gave to the support of His church.
Our 2010 income of about $530,000 was approximately 13% ($80,000) less than our 2009 income. Nevertheless,
we are thankful that we remain on a sound fiscal basis and have consistently paid all of our bills in a timely manner. In 2010 we contributed 23% ($103,000) of out tithes and offerings to support approximately 85 mission's projects locally and 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 belief that as we bless others, God will bless us in return.
All indications are that the current economic challenges will continue well into 2011. We can be thankful that God is not limited by worldly circumstances. He will provide the means to accomplish His purpose here at First Assembly.
Every time I read Ephesians 3:20, I marvel at what it says - "God is able to do exceedingly abundantly, above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." Notice that God chooses to work through us. If we all demonstrate a spirit of unity to let that power work through us, we will be amazed at what gets accomplishedfor His glory.
I want to personally thank you for your support and encouragement throughout 2011. It is greatly appreciated and I consider it an honor to serve here at First Assembly. May God richly bless all of you in the year to come.
—Steve Parsons |
