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Freely Give ~ Part 1
This year has been an interesting one and not necessarily an easy one. It has pushed many not only out of their comfort zones but out of work as well. The old saying goes, "When a door is closed, God opens another one." This is illustrated in Acts 5:17-25 where the high priest and his associates put the apostles in jail. During the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out to stand in the temple courtyard and tell people everything about life in Christ. Less literal is Genesis 50:20 where Joseph's brothers sell him but he ends up saving many lives. Everyone knows the story of Job and how he suffered but reaped huge rewards in the end. In our case closing the doors of the church has pushed us online where people who couldn't physically attend due to health or other physical limitations can now attend regularly. I don't think we'd be online, except for the pandemic. One door closed (literally) and another opened (virtually).
Giving during this time also introduced new challenges. No longer could you just drop your offering in the plate as it passed by. We had to get a little more creative, but that also led to more consistent giving. If you set up automatic contributions, you don't have to worry about getting your offering in when you're on vacation. This is another example of a problem turned into a blessing.
Next year's budget pretty much matches this year's budget. No increases but no reductions overall either. A few dollars were cut here but added there so overall, same old same old. Except it isn't. This coming year is going to be a struggle as we have had a few families that have moved on. We've also been the benefactor of a grant for the past three years, but that grant has come to an end. Somehow we need to make up that money as well.
We certainly could use more members and isn't spreading His Word what we're all about anyway? I challenge everyone to reach out to all the neighbors, family, and friends who are struggling during this time to just tune in to our Sunday service on YouTube. Maybe invite them out to the land to attend in person, or maybe after watching online they'll feel comfortable joining us. Sharing the Gospel and expanding our membership is a great way to increase funding and make up some of the upcoming shortfall.
~~To Be Continued Next Week ~~
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Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6
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And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
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Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
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Safety Procedure for Worship
We encourage your arrival between 8-8:45am for set up. Everyone is encouraged to wear masks on entry and departure on the church property. Bring your own chairs, pop-ups, umbrellas, and bottled water. To insure your safety we will have a table with prepackaged communion (1st and 3rd Sunday each month), bulletins (also a digital bulletin is available on your electronic devices), and temperature check. Please practice social distancing of at least 6ft of separation per family unit. Trash cans are available to dispose of all trash upon leaving. If for any reason you are not feeling well, at higher risk, or uncomfortable with attending, we invite you to enjoy the service live-streamed. If you prefer staying in your car, there will be a designated area for you to do so.
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