We’ve done it! We have reached our Capital Campaign goal of $525,000. In
fact, as of the most recent report, pledges stood at $566,000, and we know
there are still more pledge cards to come in!
This is amazing, wonderful, and exciting. I am so filled with gratitude
for the generous outpouring from so many of you who have responded to our
campaign with enthusiasm, faithfulness, and joy.
We will start the New Year on a strong and vibrant note as we get to work
tackling the various projects our Elders identified as necessary to the
continued vitality of our church. We will get to work “strengthening our
foundation”! We are already talking about which projects to take on first. Some
have longer lead and planning times, but other projects can be done quickly, so
we’ll soon see the fruits of our labors.
We’ll also start the year on an exciting note for all who have signed up to
participate in “The Year of the Bible”. When we last did “The Year of the
Bible” in 2009, almost 40 members completed the journey, reading every word in
the Bible from Genesis through Revelation, from “In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth...” to
“Come, Lord Jesus!” If you have not
yet signed up to participate, talk to Melissa Kirkpatrick and let her know
you’re ready to read.
This will be the 6th time I’ve participated in the Year of the
Bible and I always look forward to reading with “fresh eyes”. God’s Holy Spirit
always opens my mind to new interpretation and new understanding as I read the
written words through the lens that is the living word, our Lord Jesus Christ. We’ll
have multiple opportunities each week for you to join a small group to discuss
the week’s reading.
At a recent Session meeting we discussed a plan from the Membership
Ministry Team to split that Team into a Fellowship Team and a Membership Team.
The Fellowship Team will have responsibility for organizing all our many
wonderful picnics, dinners and other activities, including our Advent Festival.
The Membership Team will focus on visitors, inquirers and new members. We have
an exciting story to tell here at MPC – we don’t want to “hide our light under
a bushel basket.” So we will make a greater effort in the new year to let our
light shine brightly.
The year’s end is always a good time to step back and express gratitude to
God for all our many blessings. Take time in the busy month ahead for even just
five minutes of quiet each day to center yourself in God’s presence, open
yourself to renewal by God’s Holy Spirit, and recommit yourself as a disciple
of the One born for us, our Lord Jesus Christ.
Blessings
for joy in this season and in the New Year!
Pastor Skip
