Pastor Gary’s Letter to the Church

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Dear Church Family,

We are just over half way through the year and I wanted to update you on what is going on behind the scenes at Edgewood Alliance Church. Let me start by telling you all how excited I am with what the Lord is doing in our midst. We set a goal to lead 20 people to Christ this year. I am pleased to say that the 22nd person received Christ just this week. Of all the things we do here, none are as important as reaching our community for Christ. Even though we have completed our goal, let’s not stop now. There are many more around us who need Jesus.

We had a wonderful time at VBS last month with over 50 children attending. We saw our young children encouraged to study God’s Word at a whole new level. We had a great group of adult leaders and helpers to share the work load. We had more youth than we knew what to do with. I am so encouraged by all the work that went into this great event. It will pay huge dividends in God’s kingdom for years to come.

Another wonderful day was shared as over 100 of us gathered at the Schmude’s home for a Sunday Morning Worship Service, baptismal service and church fellowship. We had the wonderful privilege of baptizing 4 that morning. God surely blessed the whole day from the beautiful weather to the abundance of food. I look forward to our next outdoor service.

Back in April, some of you will remember that I mentioned in a morning message that God had been showing me the fresh vision he has for me and our church. I have been developing that vision and spending a considerable amount of time praying and processing the answers to those prayers. As a result I now have placed on paper a fuller expression of that vision. While there is still much work to be done in generating an action plan based on the vision and many details to be worked out, I am preparing to present this information to the congregation.

I encourage each of you to reserve the evening of September 20th on your calendar. I would like to invite all of you to come that evening for a time of sharing this information, its potential implications to our church, and have a time of feedback from you. Following that presentation I will be seeking a number of you to work with me on further developing a specific plan for the coming year. If you would like to work with me on this project please be in prayer about it and let me know your desire in this area.

I also want to update you on the financial status of the church. As many of you know, we asked for our people to share with us what we should expect in the way of giving this year. We were

overwhelmed with the commitments that people made on that special Sunday morning in January. Based on that information we put together a faith based budget that was presented to the church and overwhelmingly approved. My desire is to share with you how we are doing in that respect.

First, the approved budget for 2009 was $160,755. That means that through the end of June our budget need was $80,377.50. Through June 30 our general fund giving was $66,173.60. That represents a shortfall of $14,203.90. That number would be very discouraging if it weren’t for 2 factors. First, we started the year with reserves totaling $31,166.50. That would not last very long at the rate of our shortfall but because of careful spending practices we have only spent $71,973.50. The net result is that we have only used $5799.90 of our reserves. Praise the Lord for how he has allowed us to accomplish this. But needless to say we cannot do this forever. I would encourage all of you to prayerfully consider what God might have to say to you in regards to your ability to support the church. I know in my life that God has always provided more than enough when I have put him at the front of the receiving line instead of the end. Is this a time that He is calling you to step out in a new level of faith?

So what is the status of our church today? We are solid. We are depending on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to meet all our needs. We have a wonderful staff that works well together. We have a team of elders that love the Lord, love this church, and love each other. We have trustees and deaconesses that are serving us well. We have other volunteer leadership that is serving and working to take care of all aspects of our children. We have a group of seniors who are becoming more active. We have small groups that are continuing and developing. Our youth group is growing and reaching other youth for Christ.

Our faith is growing. Our congregation is growing. Our church is experiencing unity and mutual love and respect. When I am asked how our church is doing, I am excited to report that we have our struggles as all churches do but we are on a good track and God is blessing us. Please join me as we pray over where God will lead us next. Begin to ask God to show you how you can be actively involved in the ministry here. There are many opportunities before us. Let’s grab hold of God and join his work.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Gary