From Pastor Jeff

I have three things I am dealing with as I look ahead to this year.

1. Ending this year with all bills paid including the apportionments at least 100%, and an increase in overall missions giving. Then I am also beginning to plan for the stewardship campaign and setting the 2011 Budget. At the meeting on Monday I will hand out request sheets to help us put together that budget.

2. In order to plan a budget we should take the serious time in Visioning and Goal Setting. As a Church Council and open to the whole church I would ask us to plan for a half day planning session on Saturday, Sept. 18, from 8:30am to noon. (If you cannot attend might you think of someone from your committee? Or if you are an at-large member can you think of another person at large whom you would encourage to attend?) We will gather together to discern what might God be calling us to be and do as a church if we dare step out boldly in faith? What might be some stepping stones or short term goals to get from here to hereafter? This should help us set the budget needs for 2011 in Number 1.

3. Who are the leaders and potential leaders as we begin to transition from here? Is this the year for you to step down or step aside? Is there a leader you have been grooming to step up? The next gathering will be of those who will be nominated to be the new leaders to begin to develop the needed leadership skills.

I feel we have had a couple good years together, but this is shaping up to be the best one yet. Hope to see most of you on Monday night. If you cannot be there, email me with your thoughts and keep the rest of us in prayer as we take this next step.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Jeff Childs