3 Weeks Left for The Giving Challenge!

Thanks to each of you who have dug deep to give a little extra to help wipe out our $300,000 deficit.  One way I could see our commitment was through our offering last weekend.  We gave even though we were on blankets and lawn chairs in a baseball diamond with ushers wandering here and there!  Thank you again to all those who attended.  It was a great day!

I believe we've made some progress towards our goal, although it can be hard to see with our weekly variations in giving.  With three weeks left, we've got $470,000 to go, and $174,000 of that is our normal weekly budget need.  God is good, and we're trusting Him with a miracle of gifts over coming weeks!

The Elders will be meeting Monday night to discuss our new budget year.  We'll continue to tighten our belt as good stewards, while trying to maintain our ability to care for our church family and reach out to our community.  Tricky stuff! 

One thing I've always loved about Abundant Life is that we move out in faith.  Faith that God will provide the resources for what He wants to accomplish through us.  Faith that He is speaking to and through our leadership.  Our history reflects His leading in all we do. 

Please pray!

Pray for His continued presence and leadership in every decision we make in coming weeks. 

Pray for our people to see how they can be a part of God's work through Abundant Life.

Pray that we set a new budget that reflects good stewardship and faith for the future. 

Thanks you guys!

Comments

[Bob]

Alan I am new to ALC but not new to Church and Church budgets and the little nitties of what hill will I die on and which one I won't. I do not believe in Church superstar pastors but I have an itch I can't scratch. It would seem to me during this present giving challenge it is not the "best" time for George to be away. ALC is not George but the "sheep do hear the shepherd's voice." All the pastor's are good men many will go on to become well seasoned in the teaching pulpit. However I have fears that when any lead Pastor is away attendance drops. Vitality wains. It's another area for the enemy to gain a foothold.. kinda like give me a pass on church it's Super Bowl Sunday. I don't want to dig too deep as I said I am new @ ALC but what worked in the past may need to be readdressed. George needs his focus and refreshing and the Church needs to rise no matter what. I just wanted to get this off my chest.

[Alan]

Thanks for being transparent Bob! At Abundant Life we don't believe in superstar pastors either, and George has always held the value that the church's health and longevity should not be dependent on him alone. Great attitude!

George's time away so far has been in preparation for teaching in Uganda, India, and at Abundant Life in the fall. Not a vacation by any means, but needed prep time to do what God has called he and Abundant Life to.

I've learned through the years there is rarely a "best time" for many things. George's trip has been in the works for over a year, and we trust that God will work through Abundant Life here in Happy Valley, Parkrose, Uganda, and India in coming weeks.

Thanks for your prayers and support as we continue to follow Jesus call on us!