I am combining comments from the first and second chapter. The issue of wealth and property ownership(chapter 1) fits into a pattern we are seeing in our church. Since the pandemic our budgets have been very tight and there has been serious discussions about the budget. The positive outcome on one hand was that through gifts this year we were able to balance our budget and continue some of our programming. But, during the discussions about our various ministries there was discussion that involved comments about leaving the church if certain cuts were made. We also have generous givers who stepped up and sacrificed to help balance the budget. We are also united behind communion and offer both wine and juice as well as wafers which are gluten free. We have Lenten suppers prior to services each Wednesday and usually offer a variety of foods to meet all tastes and needs. We believe that taking of the sacraments is a Scriptural mandate and unfortunately the number of those attending has declined even after the pandemic ended. We are now exploring ways to maintain fidelity to Scripture while trying to attract younger families. These include a cancer group and one dedicated to the issue of transgenderism. We do not want to dumb down our services but do want to attract new members. We are a congregation that attempts to reach out to the world while remaining faithful to Christ.
I am combining comments from the first and second chapter. The issue of wealth and property ownership(chapter 1) fits into a pattern we are seeing in our church. Since the pandemic our budgets have been very tight and there has been serious discussions about the budget. The positive outcome on one hand was that through gifts this year we were able to balance our budget and continue some of our programming. But, during the discussions about our various ministries there was discussion that involved comments about leaving the church if certain cuts were made. We also have generous givers who stepped up and sacrificed to help balance the budget. We are also united behind communion and offer both wine and juice as well as wafers which are gluten free. We have Lenten suppers prior to services each Wednesday and usually offer a variety of foods to meet all tastes and needs. We believe that taking of the sacraments is a Scriptural mandate and unfortunately the number of those attending has declined even after the pandemic ended. We are now exploring ways to maintain fidelity to Scripture while trying to attract younger families. These include a cancer group and one dedicated to the issue of transgenderism. We do not want to dumb down our services but do want to attract new members. We are a congregation that attempts to reach out to the world while remaining faithful to Christ.