Dear Friends,
Christmas greetings from Tara and our family to you and yours! We hope your Christmas season has been full of quiet moments to reflect on the kindness of God in sending His Son Jesus to save us from our sin. His willingness to come to our aid motivates us to be there for each other in times of need. May His Spirit lead us to those who need to sense the tangible love of God this Christmas.
As we pause to consider our journey in 2023, we see the evidence of a healthy church and many “firsts.” For the first time in (or launched from) our new building we experienced: 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, Good Friday service, Resurrection Sunday services, Annual Church Council, Summer Camps, & Vacation Bible School. We had a second round of Fall and Winter activities that included: August Prayer focus, Back to Church Sunday, a NOW banquet, & many fun Christmas activities. Our kids and youth continue to pick up steam, as well as young adults, young families, and seniors. But my favorite memories will always be our services together, seeking God in worship, learning from His Word, and all the great fellowship before and afterward with food, coffee, and little extras that make life together fun.
Acts 1:8 states, “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
As many of you know, we are at the end of our “NOW Generosity Initiative.” Our giving has made a difference because at a time when many in our church had moved out of state and were no longer able to contribute to to financial mission of our church, God helped us traverse some difficult financial terrain and SUPPORT OUR JERUSALEM. Without the local church, there is no “Judea, Samaria, or ends of the Earth!” We did not need to make cuts at a critical time of needing to have boots on the ground to lead our church forward. And because we were able to support our Jerusalem (our local church), we were able to continue to give to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth at a percentage of 14% over the last two years. Praise God!
Even though “The NOW Initiative” is ending on December 31, 2023, there is still work to be done! We will continue to fulfill our calling as a church to “lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus.” We still have a mandate to reach the lost and raise up the next generation. I encourage you to continue to tithe and give offerings, as the Spirit leads, to further the work of God through our church. We have stabilized our congregation, but there is still financial shuffling. Strong financial support will ensure we can march forward. Tara and I saw miraculous provision as we stepped out in faith to give at sacrificial levels and I know many of you have as well. Why shrink back? We will continue to give in faith. Even though God doesn’t need anything “from” us, He wants that kind of faith “for” us!
As we near the end four fiscal year, please prayerfully consider a year-end gift toward the NOW Initiative. ANY amount helps. May God bless you, protect you, and provide for you faithfully as you serve Him in your giving.
You are loved and appreciated!
Be blessed,
Pastor Jordan
Christmas greetings from Tara and our family to you and yours! We hope your Christmas season has been full of quiet moments to reflect on the kindness of God in sending His Son Jesus to save us from our sin. His willingness to come to our aid motivates us to be there for each other in times of need. May His Spirit lead us to those who need to sense the tangible love of God this Christmas.
As we pause to consider our journey in 2023, we see the evidence of a healthy church and many “firsts.” For the first time in (or launched from) our new building we experienced: 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting, Good Friday service, Resurrection Sunday services, Annual Church Council, Summer Camps, & Vacation Bible School. We had a second round of Fall and Winter activities that included: August Prayer focus, Back to Church Sunday, a NOW banquet, & many fun Christmas activities. Our kids and youth continue to pick up steam, as well as young adults, young families, and seniors. But my favorite memories will always be our services together, seeking God in worship, learning from His Word, and all the great fellowship before and afterward with food, coffee, and little extras that make life together fun.
Acts 1:8 states, “8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
As many of you know, we are at the end of our “NOW Generosity Initiative.” Our giving has made a difference because at a time when many in our church had moved out of state and were no longer able to contribute to to financial mission of our church, God helped us traverse some difficult financial terrain and SUPPORT OUR JERUSALEM. Without the local church, there is no “Judea, Samaria, or ends of the Earth!” We did not need to make cuts at a critical time of needing to have boots on the ground to lead our church forward. And because we were able to support our Jerusalem (our local church), we were able to continue to give to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth at a percentage of 14% over the last two years. Praise God!
Even though “The NOW Initiative” is ending on December 31, 2023, there is still work to be done! We will continue to fulfill our calling as a church to “lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus.” We still have a mandate to reach the lost and raise up the next generation. I encourage you to continue to tithe and give offerings, as the Spirit leads, to further the work of God through our church. We have stabilized our congregation, but there is still financial shuffling. Strong financial support will ensure we can march forward. Tara and I saw miraculous provision as we stepped out in faith to give at sacrificial levels and I know many of you have as well. Why shrink back? We will continue to give in faith. Even though God doesn’t need anything “from” us, He wants that kind of faith “for” us!
As we near the end four fiscal year, please prayerfully consider a year-end gift toward the NOW Initiative. ANY amount helps. May God bless you, protect you, and provide for you faithfully as you serve Him in your giving.
You are loved and appreciated!
Be blessed,
Pastor Jordan
