Happy Saturday, everyone!
This week, the session approved a new budget for 2016. As we prayed and talked through the budget, we were especially grateful for your generosity in 2015. Not only did we end the year “in the black,” we were able to spend above and beyond what we planned to spend in the important categories of diaconal aid/mercy ministry and missions giving. I really appreciate that outward focus and we hope to increase our outward focus by empowering our deacons to convene a “Mercy Committee” this year. The Mercy Committee will function like our Missions Committee: just like the Missions Committee is our church’s front line toward missions, the Mercy Committee will be our front line toward mercy in our church and for our community. If you are interested in assisting our deacons in this way, please plan on attending an informational lunch on February 21st. More information will be forthcoming.
Please remember that January is a five Sunday month and as is our practice, we’re asking you to make a special offering toward mercy ministries on the fifth Sunday of the month. It’s best to make that special offering in the form of a second check or offering envelop, in addition to your regular offerings.
Later this month, we’ll start up our Getting Ready Class. This class is for children who are too old for the nursery, but young enough that they may not understand everything that happens in our worship service. For eight weeks, starting January 31, we’ll dismiss the kids half-way through the service. They’ll learn about a part of our service each week and then rejoin their parents before communion. Please let us know if you are interested in having your child participate in this short class.
Have a great weekend! I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.
In Christ,
Eric Landry
