Friday, April 20, 2012

A Little Bit About a Few Things

Confirmation 

Today is a great day at The Water’s Edge: We welcome our first Confirmation Class. These sixteen students have learned together, worshipped together, and served together. They have been equipped with the tools necessary to help them thrive as a disciple of Jesus. 

Confirmation Sunday isn’t the end of a journey. It is the beginning of a journey. It’s kind of like the kickoff to a football game. All the training has been done and the game has started. We have great big dreams for a student ministry that deeply impacts the lives of our students and students in our community. To the Confirmands: you are not only the future leaders of our church. Your ministry starts today: sharing Christ with the people in your life and the world. 

Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. -1 Timothy 4:12


Attendance and Giving Report

Our average worship attendance so far in 2012 is 511. This is 100 people higher than 2011 and is 25% growth over 2011. Our average attendance in children’s Sunday school for 2012 is 122 students per week. This is an increase of over 30% which means we continue to reach families with young children. Thanks so much to all the students and adults who work with our children. You are such a blessing! Our giving has also increased over 2011. Last week, the week after Easter, was our largest offering of the year! We will be receiving a detailed financial report in worship next weekend.

Congregational Care Ministry

This is exciting. A congregational care leadership team has formed and is planning ways for us to care for each other. This ministry will be launched in the next few months. You will see details emerge over the next month or two. Two things: 1. I believe God is leading all of us to serve in this ministry. Whether it is delivering a meal to a family that just had a baby, walking beside somebody who just lost a parent, doing a few home repairs for a person who is not able to, or dozens of other things—I believe God is leading all of us to serve in this ministry. 2. Pray for this emerging ministry. It will be one of the most important things we do in 2012.

Land

The leadership team and the land and building team has determined that the Harrison Street property is the best location for our future. Negotiations with the owner are nearly complete. The capital campaign will continue in the fall and the owner is very agreeable to our timeline. Exciting days are ahead of us!

The best is yet to come…

Craig

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