As a result of the congregational meetings on May 18, 2008, Messiah overwhelmingly agreed to extend a call to our Associate Pastor candidate and to adopt the 2008-2009 Ministry Plan for the coming fiscal year. God has presented Messiah with many exciting opportunities through this Call. Along with these opportunities come challenges - challenges that the congregation has accepted in order to realize Her vision of "Impacting the Community by Growing Families in Christ through the Word of God."

This decision will challenge us to increase our giving at all three levels of stewardship: time, talent and treasure. Time, as we will be called upon to support our associate pastor's ministry at Messiah by devoting our time to aid in new areas of ministry; talent, as we will be called upon to volunteer our spiritual gifts and talents in new ways; and also treasure, as we have made a significant financial commitment by extending this Call. We have committed to stretch our financial resources to the point that with a 20% planned increase in contribution income, we will still be facing a deficit of $60,000 for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. This deficit will be covered by using a large portion of our existing cash reserves. We will need to continue to increase contributions by 10% in the next two subsequent years in order to meet our projected expenses. This can be accomplished through increased giving and growth in the congregation.

This all may sound like it is a bit too much of a stretch but it appears God has given us the capacity to realize this plan, and probably much more, with his help. Currently we have roughly 70% of the congregation giving less than $50/week. Of course, for some, this is already beyond a tithe. However, for others, there may be room to work up to a tithe. We have not focused on the financial piece of stewardship for a couple of years here at Messiah. Therefore, we may not have properly equipped people to prayerfully consider how they are using the gifts God has given us.

We, as a congregation, have decided to take a step of faith. Each and everyone of us will now have to realize our part in that step of faith through prayer.

We give Him but His own in everything we give.

Also see Pastor's June Monthly Message The First Step Has Been Taken.