We welcomed so many familiar and some brand new faces at our 3 Encounter Christmas programs and also at the Blue Christmas Service! It was encouraging to see so many people preparing their hearts and minds for the birth of Jesus and the holiday season! Council would like to thank the many dedicated Worship Staff and amazing Volunteers that made these events such successes.

Council was given updates and discussed several “house keeping” items including: the status of interviews for open Staff positions, updated ministry reports on past and future plans, potential delivery date for replacement projectors in the Sanctuary, the completion of Staff performance reviews, and the incredible strength of Preschool enrollment numbers.

As of the December 21st Council Meeting, giving was 83% below budget and stands at about 86% of last year. Our cash flow is still fairly strong due mostly to reduced expenses such as from unfilled, but budgeted Staff positions (for example, Senior Pastor).

Last month, the Generosity Team met with the consultant from Generis who completed an analysis of financial trends over the past few years and made several recommendations. The team is now working on a strategic plan for implementing those recommendations and tackling the budget deficit. 

Although the Council meeting occurred prior to Christmas, this update is being published after our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services, and what amazing services they were. Attendance across both days combined exceeded 2,200 people. Council would like to thank all of those who served with their time and talents this Christmas!

We wish all of our congregants a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year!