The Master's Plan
Submitted by: Lori Fulton
Thus says the Lord of Hosts; “Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord. Haggai 1:7-8
“Investing In Our Future” seems to be embodied in these verses. While we are not literally going into the rolling hills of Southwestern PA to gather the wood to build our church, we are all playing a part in our “rebuilding”. By generously and graciously placing an offering in that Master’s Plan envelope that shows up at the top of the offering packet each month, we are all demonstrating that we seek to glorify the Lord and spread His word. There is no doubt that more than a few among us have written that check with a bit of apprehension on occasion. Yet, this campaign continues to keep pace with projected goals based on the pledges received last November. You all remember last November, the “good ol’ days” before the word “recession” was at the top of almost every evening news report.
The Follow-Up team is pleased to announce that through the end of September, the total for the campaign stands at $344,927.00! More than 170 individuals and families continue to contribute to “Investing In Our Future” on a regular basis. Of this number, over 40 envelopes are given each month from people who did not pledge but still chose to make a contribution. You have made the task of the Follow-Up team an easy one.
As you read this, it has been one year since the words “Investing In Our Future” became a familiar phrase to the congregation. But already we see the fruits of our offerings being put in place. The new sound and video system will beautifully enhance the new worship service that is slated to begin in December. And we will soon begin the search for an ordained pastor to spread God’s word.
For all of this, we humbly say thank you for your continued and faithful giving. We can’t wait to see what will happen next!
Construction Zone
Pardon The Interruption (and Dust)
December/January Edition
This is not a test. After much praying, planning and financial giving, our church is definitely now ‘under construction’. When you come to worship in the next few weeks or participate in ministries at the church, you will see construction in progress. In December, you will also see our new worship service begin which has been ‘under construction’ over the last few months. Here’s what’s happening:
Audio-Visual Technology Upgrade: As many of you may have seen, the new Audio and Video equipment for the Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall and some classrooms in the Christian Education Building has been installed. This equipment will enhance our current worship services as well as for the new service and other ministries (small groups, FINKS, Sunday School, e.g.). This was funded through “Investing In Our Future” campaign dollars.
Painting: Painting of the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall has begun and will be completed in January . This is funded through “Investing In Our Future” campaign dollars.
HVAC: The congregation approved Session’s recommendation to purchase and install a new Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Fire Suppression system for the Christian Education Building. The congregational vote was 108-39 with two abstentions. Construction began in November and is to continue for an estimated four months. This project will be paid for with a 25-year mortgage. “Investing In Our Future” campaign dollars will provide the initial 40 monthly payments.
Third Worship Service: Only a few days remain until our third worship service begins on Thursday, December 4 at 7 pm. Prayer and planning are occurring and we look forward to offering this additional worship service. The format and music will be different than Sunday morning but the message will be the same. “Investing In Our Future” campaign dollars will underwrite costs for this service.
Church-wide Small Group Emphasis to begin in January: Small group leaders are being identified to provide small groups using a video-series “Modern Parables”. Pray about joining in a six-week series on the parables. The videos are excellent quality and will provide great discussion and faith-building. Rev. Hamilton’s sermon series will be based on the same parables. “Investing In Our Future” campaign dollars are supporting our small group ministry development.
As you can see, even though there is much ongoing ministry, there will be some interruptions and dust flying in the coming months. We would ask for an extra measure of patience and flexibility and prayer! We trust God is guiding us through all of this time to further develop our ministry and service to Him. Thank you for your ongoing prayers and financial support to make the ministries and mission possible – that which is happening now and that which is being developed! If you have yet to participate in the “Investing In Our Future” campaign, please prayerfully consider making a financial gift or pledge. The campaign is a tremendous gift to make these improvements and ministries possible! Thank you again very much!