Januay 2010 Recap: Way to Go!

The first month of 2010 just wrapped up and things are off to a great start.  Here's a recap:

Growing Up
At the beginning of the month I challenged myself and our church to be purposeful about growing.  I've been meeting with people and hearing stories of how people are taking steps of faith and responding to God's purpose.  One family said they have made it their goal to participate in our Sunday gatherings on a consistent basis.  Another family set a goal to plug into a small group.  Many ministry leaders and volunteers have begun to be more purposeful about encouraging and releasing more leaders in their gifting.  Pre-service prayer has had standing room only, so we're moving into Rm. 105 to accommodate this.

Youth Ministry
Under Calvin's leadership, our youth leadership team is doing a great job of integrating small groups into our Wednesday nights so that greater relationship and application of God's Word can take place... we have many youth that aren't yet followers of Christ.

Missions Giving
In January we heard about Nicole R.'s step of faith to go to Sri Lanka for two weeks and how this was way out of her comfort zone, but that she knew it was God leading her.  Our church stepped up big time and gave over $1200 towards her trip.  We have and are responding to Haiti.  As of last Sunday we have collected over $600 towards Haiti plus the kid's change (I think Cindy is still counting it.... :)).  We have set a goal to raise $5,000 for Haiti Relief & Rebuilding and we are going to do this through this Saturday's bottle drive, the Kid's Change Drive, personal donations, and the benefit concert at the Clarke Theatre on Feb. 26.  I believe in total we've given over $2500 towards missions this month alone!

Healing
A couple people received physical healings as a result of them asking for prayer.  We simply respond with thanks to God and continue to pray for those who are still facing challenges.  We won't develop formulas or start a healing ministry, we'll simply keep praying and looking to Jesus.

Church Attendance
Our church attendance for January has been a bit higher than average so I'm excited about that.  Although at times I have to struggle with the pride factor that can be attached to numbers and head counting,  through faith God reminds me that numbers matter if for the right reasons.  We want to see and work towards a church that is first and foremost a healthy one (by God's standard).  We believe that if a church is healthy (like any living organism) it will grow (in maturity and in numbers/fruit).  If you are a part of our church family, I encourage you to continue loving your neighbors out of the love you have received in Christ.  We also need to work hard at loving those that walk through our doors and welcome them with radical hospitality.

Church Giving
Our general offerings and income surpassed our bare-bones budget goal of $17,000 and that will help us to catch up from last year's deficit.  Our goal is to be back in the black by the end of 2010 so that we can start 2011 by living to give.  On "Vision Sunday" I challenged our church family to increase their giving by 1% (if last year you gave nothing, then set a goal to give 1%; if last year you gave 10%, set a goal to give 11%).  Unless you're perfect, there's always room to grow and increase our faith.  God's not interested in the amount or percentage; he's interested in our heart and the direction it is heading!

Small Groups
Back in November I set a goal to have 4 small groups up and running by the Spring.  By the end of February we will have 8 groups going.  I encourage everyone to connect either formally through a small group or informally through a purposeful mentoring relationship so that we are stimulated towards growth!

Prayer
I know this wasn't the focus of January, but I had to put it in here.  As we travel through February we will increase our understanding of prayer through studying Scripture and practicing it.  I can't even begin to describe or imagine the results that will happen as we spend more time praying and seeking God then relying on our own understanding and agendas.   I know of many situations within our church family and connected to our church family that need miracles.  There are families that are struggling with cancer and illness, their faith, marriages, unemployment, financial issues, and the list goes on.  Please continue to pray for our church family, our neighbours, our community and our world.  Prayer matters.

Thank You
I am truly humbled to be our church family's pastor.  Every week I wonder why I am in this position as I am not qualified, capable, or deserving of the respect and support you or God gives me.  So thank you for your humility in supporting me and our church family.  It means more than you'll ever know.