It was inspiring to watch hundreds of fellow believers come to the altar this morning two different times during each of our worship services. The first time, it was to kneel in prayer for our church and our “Six In 6” Capital Campaign. The second time, it was bring our commitment cards and place them in the Chest of Joash. A moving moment for me was when Connie Morehead made her way to the altar with her commitment card while holding to her walker and moving slowly. Another moving moment was watching a young man who recently returned to church after being out of church for several years bring his commitment card to the altar while holding hands with his girlfriend. The commitments and the money mean a lot. But the way God is working in people’s lives means even more. To God be the glory!
The cold temperatures and rain, along with the forecast of freezing rain impacted attendance today. Worship attendance was down by more than 200 people. So a lot of people were not able to turn in their commitment cards today. Next Sunday, when we bring our first offering to the altar and place it in the Chest of Joash, anyone who hasn’t made a commitment yet can place their commitment card in the chest at that time. Commitment cards can also be mailed the church, attention “Finance Office.” I anticipate commitment cards coming in for the next few weeks.
Today’s commitments have not been totaled yet. We’ll announce the total next Sunday. Then we’ll add to that amount the commitments that come in next Sunday and in the days that follow.
This campaign is only the first step in our journey toward paying the remaining balance on our loan. It won’t be the last step. It is an important step, but there will be more steps to come. We are trusting God and praying for $6 million in six years and today was a great beginning. I’m looking forward to the journey and all God is going to do.
During the 10:30 service, we celebrated with Ricky Blackman II (better known as “Little Ricky”) by giving him a round of applause for winning the 3A State Championship in wrestling at the 182 pound class. Ricky is a senior at South Pointe High School. Way to go Ricky! Afterward he said was embarrassed by the surprise announcement – but it was also nice at the same time.
Pastor Steve Hogg
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