FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

It is with Thanksgiving that I come to you at the start of this New Year of 2009. Our Social Ministries which we started five years ago have brought these projects to completion: Single Family Homes, Townhomes, Hospice Project and a Charter School. Currently, we are stabilizing our daily corporate operations. The for-profit business corporation that has been established will be gradually phased in as the management and personnel component for the campus.

We have endured a $400,000 reduction in annual revenue, due to social-economic crisis, yet, we have increased Worship and Bible Study opportunities from 5 per week to over 17 per week.

Our Theme this year is Meditation ; we will work toward preaching and teaching from themes which will ensure that the Church spend more time on specific designated passages of Scripture.

The purpose is to remain engaged in reflection on designated biblical text and a centralized teaching methodology.

As a faith community we are being challenged to live up to the religion and spirituality which we profess. Our Meditation is to be thankful that the devourer was not allowed to destroy what we have been blessed with over our 82 years (Malachi 4:11). In order for us as a faith community to be touching and agreeing we must pursue similar hermeneutical application of the biblical text. Can two walk together unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3)

Next, our Meditation should be on stewardship of what we now have; It is required of stewards that they be found faithful (I Corinthians 4:2).

 Finally, our Meditation ought to be reflective of a people who acknowledge that holiness, sanctity and a desire to be a community of faith will create spiritual and temporal blessings. We have a responsibility to be a beacon of hope, a light of encouragement, have a spirit of clarity and bare the peace of God to all we encounter.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. (I John 3:2).