SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS

  Concerning our need for a Worship Leader the Elders and staff at this time are seeking the most qualified person for a part-time position. We feel this decision is in our best interest so that we can maintain our expectation for quality worship even while planning for the future eventuality of hiring a full time Pastor. While a part-time staff person will not be able to do all the ministry that has been accomplished in the past, our most pressing need is for leading worship on Sunday. We also are preparing for the possibility of adding a third worship service in the evening targeting young adults.

  Some needs and opportunities available to you in our worship ministry include helping with the sound board (see Jeri Roberts), operating the computer (we need volunteers each Sunday and a volunteer coordinator), singing or playing an instrument, taking communion to shut-ins (see Jerry Augustine), being an usher (see Frank Mussetter) or being a greeter (see Linda Bender).

  I also want to encourage all adults to be involved in either a small group or Sunday School class. There are many groups available throughout the week (see the back page of this issue) and we have a variety of adult classes every Sunday which hopefully will meet your needs or interest (some new ones are listed in this copy of The Bell). I will be starting a new class on Sunday, October 15, called God’s Blueprints for Spiritual Growth which will explain the basics of our faith and practice, and will cover topics such as baptism, communion, prayer, Bible reading, serving, and sharing our faith with others. This class will be a good introduction for those who are not very familiar with the Bible or the Christian life, or who need to revisit the basics of our Faith.

If you haven’t been to an adult class for awhile, or have been waiting to start, this is the time to get in a class with others to learn more about God and build new relationships within the church.

  Concerning our finances, the Lord continues to bless this congregation with faithful givers. But we have taken on a big debt with our building payment. Please remember to give first to the General Fund, and if you are able, then give sacrificially to our Building Fund (envelopes are available next to the mailboxes). As we all share the load we will see both the blessings of paying off our debt, and the benefits of ministry that is accomplished through this church.

  To help our budget be more equitable, the Elders have adjusted the monthly allocation to Missions to 10%. We continue to believe that it is important to tithe off our total giving in obedience to our Lord so that the Gospel is preached around the world. That mandate has not been compromised. Yes, this decision will necessitate some adjustments to programs we currently support, but will also provide more money to be allocated to our other Ministry Teams which have been operating at less than 60% of their budget for the past 12 months. This, we believe, will “balance the load” and apply the principle of “equal sacrifice” to all areas of our ministry.

  Finally, GCC has a major anniversary coming up in less than two years. 2008 will be the 100th anniversary of the establishment of this congregation. This will be a great time to celebrate, but we need to get started now. We already have a Cookbook Committee working on a project to coincide with our centennial, but we need a planning committee to begin working on the details of our celebration. If you would like to be a part of this (or better yet, be in charge) please let me know. It’s not too early to plan for our celebration of a century of ministry in this community!

Denis Whittet