At the direction of the board, Dwight and I have met with an architect on the prospect of building expansion. We resumed the conversation that started back in January as a result of our leadership summit and input from the congregation.
Our three main needs of space are:
The size of our auditorium
The size and proximity of our fellowship hall to the kitchen
The size and proximity of our nursery to the auditorium
We discussed the prospects of building while maintaining the priorities of simplicity and affordability. The good news is that in the past seven months many building material costs have fallen.
The architect will connect with a civil engineer to take a high view look at our property, then he will draft a proposal for a sight assessment. The proposal will be submitted by the week of October 23rd , and the board will consider the proposal at our October 30 meeting.
Church Leadership
We are coming up on the time of year that we think about the succession of leadership. We are praying for at least three elders as well as men who would serve as deacons in the administration of the church. Statement of Desire forms are available at the church office, or you can access them online for deacon and elder. To serve as an elder, a man must have served first as a deacon. To serve as a deacon, one must have been a member for at least one year. If you anticipate filling out a form, please have it submitted before October 30 so the board can consider them at our next meeting.
Sunday Night Seminary
The new course on the Gospel of John has experienced strong and enthusiastic participation. We are memorizing the prologue of John’s Gospel; by October 15th we should have 1:1-8 committed to memory. Also, your task this week is to complete a comparative exegetical study of John 1:13. If you did not pick one up last Sunday, 3-ring binders are available for your note packets. If you need an additional copy of the notes, please contact Ella Billman at the church office.
2024
Our theme for ministry and teaching in the coming year will be Engaging Unbelief. Our resolve as pastors is to equip the church for a gracious presence in our culture while being faithful to the Scriptures. Instead of striving to dominate, isolate, or capitulate, we are called to participate with grace and truth. We will explore what that means and what it looks like as we follow in the steps of Jesus. If you would like to prepare for this focus, I recommend a short book by Timothy Keller, How to Reach the West Again. Live as people who remember that we walk with and are ambassadors for the God of all hope. We are on mission, headed for home. Let us persevere with joy for the hope that is set before us.
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