I want to take this week’s column to address a couple a things. One is that we are facing some economic challenges as a church. The economy is “catching up” with us. We have experienced a drop in income over the last few months while cost have remained at a higher level. We’ve had some roof repairs and other maintenance issues that we had to address. While we have not had to dip into our contingency fund we are operating on the margin. I bring this up because we have some major expenses coming this summer that will add to our already stressed financial standing. Vacation Bible School begins on June 14. This is a major expense as we seek to reach beyond our walls and touch the community. We have a youth mission trip planned for the end of June. We know that the trip will cost approximately $5000. That money will have to be raised as the money budgeted is just not there. Children’s Camp comes right on the heels of that followed by Youth Camp the end of July. In addition utility costs are higher during the summer months and offerings are typically down as people go on vacation and take weekend trips. I do not tell you this to try and “fleece” you or guilt you for taking time off. I simply want you to be aware so that you can pray as we trust God to supply our needs through the summer months.
I also hope to gently remind you that our financial needs continue even when you are away. I also want to assure you that our budget and finance committee is monitoring both our income and our expenses and if needs be we will make the necessary adjustments. As always our commitment is to be faithful stewards of what the Lord entrusts to us.
On a related note some have asked about the projector system we talked about some months back. For those who are not aware, a gift was given at the end of last year or the first of this year for the purchase of a projector system for the worship center. We’ve been working on getting bids and making sure we spend this money wisely. We’ve made the decision and the system will be installed sometime in this summer. I want to emphasize that no general fund moneys will be used for this project. This comes from a single gift given for this purpose months ago.
Great things are coming this summer! Let’s pray that this is our best summer yet. I see you as we gather for worship this Sunday.
I thought the summer months was a time for relaxation and refreshment. I thought it was a time for “kicking back” and enjoying things. I’m going to have to work! I asked for questions or passages and you came through with some great suggestions. Now I’ve got to get to work. I’ve spent the last week trying to organize them so that I could begin to work my way through them for the summer. I’m still working on it but here is what I’ve got planned for the next few weeks on Sunday morning (keep in mind this is subject to change).
June
14 - The Rich Man & Lazarus Luke 16
21 - The Prodigal Son Luke 15
28 - Philippians 2:1-18
July
5 - John 14:1-7
12 - Israel & The Church
19 - Christ & His Sheep
26 - Psalm 23
August
2 - Millennial Questions
9 - What Happens After Death?
16 - The Reality of Hell
23 - The Problem of Evil
I have other issues that have been submitted that I’ll be working in on Sunday evening as I can. Thank you for your interest and your suggests. We will also be using a more relaxed schedule and format for Sunday evening through the summer. We are also planning some fellowships for Sunday evening. I’m looking forward to it. I’ll see you Sunday.
At this writing we’ve just completed our first night of VBS (Vacation Bible School) and I’m surveying the damage. I’m kidding we had a great night! I appreciate all the folks from both Trinity and Carbondale who are working to make this week a success. I do want to remind you that we’ll be having our family night on Friday (June 19). Then on Saturday will be the youth car wash and garage sale. As you know our youth are heading to Kentucky the end of this month to work in two of the poorest counties in Kentucky. They will be working with some construction projects and also doing VBS. Pray for the kids and their leaders as they share the message of the gospel through word and deed the last of June and the first of July. I also want to remind you that we’ll not be having evening services this week (June 21) due to Father’s Day - enjoy time with your family.
While we are grateful we did not continue in decline this past month financially (we received more than we spent) we are beginning to feel the financial crunch. Pray for our budget and finance committee as they keep watch and develop a strategy for the rest of the year. Of course this is also my subtle reminder that our needs continue during the summer months when so many will be away for vacations and much needed rest.
I look forward to seeing you and your family as we gather for worship this coming Lord’s Day.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so grateful for the faithful workers and the dedicated servants who made Vacation Bible School a great success. From those who corralled kids during recreation to those who taught the lessons, those who led the mission time and those who worked in the kitchen. I’d put our team up against any team in the convention! A special word of thanks goes to our youth who were faithful to come and work night after night. Then on Saturday they worked hard all day raising money for their mission trip to Kentucky. Of course I want to thank you, our church family, for your faithfulness in praying and making everything possible through your giving. We are indeed blessed.
Don’t forget our youth leave this Saturday, June 27, for Kentucky. Pray for safety in their travel and God’s grace and strength for the work they will be doing. I look forward to seeing you and your family as we gather for worship this coming Lord’s Day.
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25, ESV)
