News and Notes
We held our business meeting in November. Derrick, our board chair, shared a number of things. We have lost many beloved people which has made it a hard year. At the same time, we had many folks make commitments in baptism and membership. Cheryl is preparing to appear before the Ordination Examination Council in the spring.
Work on our pipe organ is moving slower than we had hoped but it is progressing. We had a goal to renew our commissions or “working groups”. They had been struggling and then ceased to function during Covid. In January, we had 3 ushers total and now have 3 usher teams. Personnel, CE, and pastoral care working groups were restarted. The Mission and Property working groups are still seeking more help.
Kevin presented a challenging budget for 2026 and there was good discussion. We continue to control costs. Despite inflation and insurance doubling, we are still below our spending from 10 years ago, including on staff. Kevin also shared that we paid off the last of our long term debt recently. We do not owe anything to others or ourselves and the Organ Fund has been repaid in full.
The final total for our fundraiser for our CBM/Lebanon partnership was just under $41,000. Thank you! We are hoping to have a group to go and represent us in Lebanon in the next few years. Katepwa Lake Camp (KBK) held a fundraising banquet in November to replace the lodge roof and have come very close to their goal. There is still time to help them by year end.
We enter our Advent and Christmas season with much to be thankful and much pray about. December includes many opportunities for fellowship, prayer and service. God was born as human beings are so that human beings might be born again. God grew up as we do so that we might grow up as God’s children. How ever you participate in Advent and Christmas this year, may you find yourself challenged to grow, regardless of your years. May God comfort you and grant you peace through Jesus.
With love,
Pastor Joel
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