I don’t know if I have ever told you this before, but there are often times when I am deeply inspired by your devotion and commitment. Such has been the case over the last three weeks.

You may recall that on Sunday, January 26, the Finance Committee Chairperson, Neal Purcell, stood before the congregation at each of our Worship Services and shared the news that we were $316,000 behind in pledges to meet the needed budget to continue all of our ministries. He also shared the commitment on the part of the Finance Committee to balance the budget. He asked those who had not yet pledged to consider pledging and those who had already pledged to consider increasing their pledge. He explained that the budget would be based on the commitments we received. He told us the deadline for turning in pledges to be considered for the budget would be February 9.

Since that time, many of you have responded. As of Sunday night, February 9, we had received a total of 592 pledges in the amount of $3,233,425. This exceeds last year’s number of pledges by 16 and accounts for an additional $321,553. The amount raised between January 26 and February 9 was $252,810. On Monday night, February 10, the Finance Committee presented a budget to the Church Council of $5,474,949, which the Church Council subsequently approved—you will be receiving a more detailed correspondence from our Committee on Finance sometime early next week.

This was an amazing response on the part of this congregation. As the Senior Minister who is responsible for overseeing the ministries of the church, I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you and of your deep commitment to Christ and the Church.

Over the last several months all our ministries have once again started running on all cylinders. We have seen new members joining the church virtually every Sunday. Our Children’s and Youth Ministries are active and growing. Both the Men’s and Women’s Ministries have continued what they have been doing and additionally have added new studies. Our Missions Ministry continues to be strong, and almost every day touches the lives of the marginalized. Our Music Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Funeral Ministry and so many others continue to be a blessing and comfort to countless numbers of people.

And here’s the thing, all this is made possible because of your sacrificial giving to this church.

So, I simply want to take this opportunity to say, “Thank you.” Thank you for being the kind of church that leads the way. Thank you for being a church that always responds when presented with a challenge. Thank you for reaching deep and giving sacrificially. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for making ministry a matter of high priority. But most of all, thank you for your love for Christ. You are literally a witness here in this community, across the state and nation and around the world. It makes me so proud to be your pastor.

Yours in Christ,
Dan