I am excited about 2016!

We are in the midst of a renewal effort, led by our renewal team.

This is the time when we begin to "get down to business" and start focusing on specific categories for renewal.

The congregation will be invited into the process to offer insight, wisdom and creative response about the needs of the congregation.

I deeply appreciate the Renewal Team "hanging in there" in the early, start-up phase of the renewal effort, when things by design, go more slowly.

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We will all be hearing a lot about stewardship in the coming year.  We believe that many in the church could be more intentional and generous in their giving. (This comment is made about giving categories and NOT individuals.)

Please make note of this comment that will accompany any request we make by letter or from the pulpit. (Please apply this request thoughtfully and prayerfully to your own personal finances and individual stewardship and make your decision accordingly.)

I am pretty sure there are always people who cannot give or give substantially, because of their life situation. If you are in that category we love you and value your presence in the congregation.

I am pretty sure there are people who do everything they can to tithe (give 10%   and maybe more) of their income to the church. If you are in that category, we love you and value your presence in the congregation.

Again, the pastors do not know what you give or if you give. Period. If you seek to make a statement positively or negatively with your giving, that message is not heard — EVER in any way.

To those who take stewardship seriously, you have my undying thanks, deep appreciation and respect.

Moving to the deeper places,
Jeff