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January 31, 2010:
As we bring a close to 2009, I’d like to share the data about the people we serve and who serve with us.During the year we received 53 new members, 24 of whom came on profession of faith. We lost 29 members to death, and 20 transferred to other churches. Our current professing adult membership is 1,946, with an additional 301 baptized children and youth. Our average Sunday worship attendance increased by 22 this year to 563. That looks like a higher number than you see in the bulletin each week, but the bulletin numbers didn’t always include the nursery attendance. We baptized 21 children, youth, and adults. Our average Sunday School attendance rose from 308 to 338. The number of households giving to the church grew from 529 in 2008 to 587 in 2009. All in all, that’s pretty good progress for one year, and speaks well of how many of you are sharing in the work. Sunday School attendance increases when you invite folks to your classes and offer solid, meaningful lessons. Worship attendance increases when the worship service is well done and when you invite people to join you. The children and youth ministries increase when those ministries are energetic and when friends come along to learn about the Lord. In other words, we owe many, many thanks to you for a good statistical year in 2009. And how exciting that 2010 has started off by exceeding 600 in worship and 400 in Sunday School. But, remember these numbers aren’t just numbers -- they are human beings. Each one of these needs prayer, ministry, discipleship, and encouragement. Let us continue to unite as a community around God and each other. Grace and Peace, Ken . |