Dear Kirk Leaders and Intercessors,
Can you believe it - September is here, and we are in the final sprint of our summer months! The good news is our church is solid as we emerge from the summer. Our experience this summer proves that God does not go on vacation–He is with us always! The Kirk continues incrementally forward. Our prayer goal of 30 new members this year is now up to 16. A number of “regular guests” have found us, and we are building a relationship with each one. The men’s, women’s and youth ministries of the church have increased in number and Bible study attendance remains strong. Our average worship attendance has not dipped through the summer with both services holding their own. Offerings are steady, and the summer “Fan the Flame/Adopt-A-Bill” campaign has exceeded everyone’s expectations. The amount of $14,000 was budgeted and over $21,000 has been raised to keep the church strong through the summer. The peace, joy and unity of the body continues.
Our youths’ “Heaven’s Kitchen” restaurant was a fantastic success this past Sunday evening. The students brought in over $700 of which almost $400 was profit and results in every student and our four adult leaders all having their way “paid in full” to the Christian “Rock the Universe” event this coming weekend. Thanks to the church for showing up in good number and to the students under the guidance of Adam, Christy, Katie and Mike for pulling off a beautiful dining experience. The students later celebrated with an all night “lock-in” at the church. Faith and fun can work together for good.
The physical work of the roof project continues and all four “rough” areas on the roof have been strengthened with plywood and sealer. Three of those areas are ready for rolled roofing. The deluge this past weekend showed our work successful as not a single drop of water came through. No pun intended, but we are getting “on top” of this roof problem. While the work of a flat roof is never really over, the gains this summer protect the church from damage and buy us time to create a healthy maintenance plan for our roof’s ongoing care.
Thank God that Hurricanes Fay and Gustav have not come our way. We are grateful and continue to pray that the other spinning storms in the Atlantic will stay away as well. We don’t pray they go somewhere else. We pray that Jesus will say “peace, be still” to these storms.
I was inspired by a comment Blanche Frati, one of our longtime members, said to me during an in-home visit two weeks ago. Talking about the programs and spiritual focus she sees in our church, Blanche said, “The Kirk now feels like a real church to me.” Keep praying and believing that God’s blueprint for our church will unfold to His glory.
Gathering People Into God’s Embrace,
Pastor Jerry
P.S. Our new church directory has been printed and is being distributed. This wonderful tool is available on the welcome table or through the office. Thanks to the secretaries and all our volunteers for doing a great job.
