Dear Friends,
Greetings in Christ during these “dog days” of summer. As we enter August, I want to apprise you of some important items. I know this letter is long, but it is important. So pour a tall glass of something cold and let’s talk.
Growth, Deep & Wide
Christ Community Church is growing. We were warned it would happen. We waited for our building to be completed in the great hope that it would serve and engage this community. We dreamed of the day we would lift our voices there together. Now, we have worshipped there and we have seen God’s promises for His kingdom flourishing there. It is with a decade of experience as a church, borrowing from the wisdom of friends and churches close to ours, that we are preparing to take bold action. Just as we did when we purchased land and built our facility, we are taking calculated steps to respond to our new normal (what a joy to be crammed for space last Sunday morning!) and prepare for what is ahead. We are creating two identical Sunday worship services, one at 8:30am and the other at 11:15am. It is our hope that the varied times will afford more people with opportunities to worship God and to hear Christ proclaimed. Growing wider is one of our hopes this Fall.
In addition to growing wider, we are praying to grow deeper. With that end in mind, we are focusing on training and education in a new and significant way. Education has always been one of our church’s strong suits. Over the years we have asked enough questions to know that those who find our Christian education and training opportunities are overwhelmingly blessed by them. It is both with our past in mind and with great expectation for the future of this church that we are going to launch a new education and training program starting Sunday, August 22. You will see the line-up of classes offered on Sunday at 10 am very soon. The success of a healthy church is dependent upon the readiness and willingness of what the church calls “lay leaders” to serve, equip and sharpen one another. I hope that you will make 10am on Sunday a priority as we seek to make Christian education and training available like never before.
Staffing
In an effort to respond to recent growth, and to get ahead of the next growth curve, we are making some necessary changes in our church’s staff. Nate Taylor, youth director, has faithfully served our middle and high school students for the last two years. In that time he has raised support and operated within the very strict financial confines that our operating budget necessitated. Limitations notwithstanding, God has blessed his efforts in our church. We were thrilled to invite Nate to become a full-time staff member this Fall. He will do so beginning October 1. Nate is assisted greatly in his ministry through the volunteer work of many people--including his wife, Erin. Also, Leslie Marshall, wife of Mike Marshall and mother of four, is currently serving as my part-time assistant. Her help in both communications and scheduling have reduced my burden a great deal and freed me to do more pastoral work and less administration. She will continue to serve our church in this way. The funding for her 2010 salary was raised from funds outside of Christ Community Church.
Building Loan
Hey, those of you who skipped down to here--make sure you go back and read the rest later! Resourcing is always an important factor in the life of a church family. We find ourselves, per usual, with great reason to be encouraged and with a tremendous opportunity to express great faith and hope in God. Here are some basic numbers:
Budget
Christ Community's giving to date for 2010 is $211,294, and our year-to-date expenses total $289,518. The difference ($78,224) has been spent from the mortgage escrow fund set aside before we moved in to the building and from general funds.
As I talk with other congregations that have been in our shoes before, there are some things that they almost always have in common. There is generally a lag in giving in a building’s first year, even though there is an increase in attendance. Christ Community has seen an impressive increase in Sunday morning attendance (more than 78%), and I am sure you have noticed. Last July we averaged 130 on Sundays. This year? 233! We have not seen a proportional increase in tithes and offerings yet. Giving simply has not caught up with the influx of guests and visitors; this is because people usually try a new place for a while before they start to give financially.
Conclusion
I’ve seen God work steadily in Christ Community Church through the years. I have also been a witness to the amazing generosity and heart-commitment of the people who are Christ Community. This Fall promises many good things. I’m thrilled to see Christ in the book of Exodus together on Sunday mornings. By God’s grace, we will see the glory and goodness of the one who says to us again and again: “You will be my people and I will be your God.” Women (morning and evening groups) are studying Galatians. We’ve got a new men’s morning study starting September 14. A good report from our Mexico team is expected this Sunday. Youth, children, etc., etc. All this adds up to a wonderful ride on the “Grace Train”. All aboard!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
In Christ,
Rob