Words from Pastor Gina

We have said goodbye to 2009 and hello to 2010.  Is anyone else still having trouble remembering to write the correct year on their checks? 

Like every year, 2009 had sorrows and joys, tribulations and triumphs.  Over all, our church has many reasons to celebrate.  At the January Church Council meeting, I asked for things from 2009 we should celebrate.  We came up with quite a list.  We had musical guests perform; hosted the Circuit Rider; had a Native American speaker; started a new service; increased our average attendance by 12 over 2008; particpated in the closing worship of Tennessee United Methodist Church, welcoming their members; brought in several other new members; celebrated two weddings; took two "fun trips"; held two fund-raising dinners; had several people attend and/or be team members on a Walk to Emmaus; sent several people to "Forged in the Fire" events; and welcomed new singers to the choir.

In addition to other missions and community service, we sent over 300 pounds of coats and winter clothing to the Native Americans in South Dakota; gave $300 for Liberia; gave 7 Christmas baskets; caroled to the shut-ins; put on a community Easter egg hunt; served refreshments twice at elementary school events; and served the school district teachers and staff an appreciation dinner.

We improved our building by putting in a new water heater and sump pump; fixing the plumbing; re-doing the Narthex; and moving the flower garden, as well as putting a new roof on the garage of the parsonage and some new windows. 

As I look over the celebrations, I realized we have been busy and blessed.  One more blessing is that for the first time in many, many years, we ended the year of 2009 with a few thousand dollars extra in our operating budget.

At the Council meeting, we also talked about goals for 2010.  Some of the goals include increasing our average attendance to 90 or more, having at least 10 new members join, getting church t-shirts, getting small groups ministry and Kids Hope USA going, and starting a children's choir.

Please pray about how you can help our church reach out to others and fulfill these goals.

In His Precious Name,

Pastor Gina

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