Update, The 6th Day of Christmas, December 30, 2020
As The Year Ends: A Good Word From Pam Claassen
I’ve been asked to give a word about giving…
Hmm, what to say? I Googled “Bible Verses About Giving” and got a number of search results…
We ARE a giving congregation… of time, talent and treasure in SO many ways.
In the midst of a pandemic, we are blessed that we are still reaching through technology so much of our membership and staying engaged, even if not able to physically hug…
The impact that we have on others less fortunate that Sheila Sims has shared from the Hunger Task Force is significant, especially for our relatively small congregation.
I reached out to our Treasurer, Casey, to get a sense of how we are doing in getting in our pledge cards along with our time and talent surveys to finalize our 2021 budget… most of our members have done so, but if you have not, please do! For those that have, Thank You! You are providing a strong base for another difficult year ahead!
Of the Bible Verses that popped up from the search, one that resonates with me is 2 Corinthians 9:7:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Giving should feel good… at LABC we are able to see the impact of our gifts…
Like everyone else, we will be starting the year with COVID uncertainty… we do not know when we will be able to resume in person worship. Full operation of the Children’s Center and current COVID staffing requirements and protections do not support generating a positive margin from operations that can contribute as it has in years past to church overhead… the Children’s Center will need Church help to get over the 2021 hump… We are committed to starting the year with a balanced church budget and continuing to evaluate performance/corrective actions necessary as the year unfolds. Let us hope that additional relief being contemplated by Congress can assist, but we must be prepared to take action to bridge an anticipated gap.
We will continue to need each of your ongoing assistance. Thank you for your generosity towards God’s work in our community!
Looking Ahead
Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study meets this morning at 10:00
There will be a Drive Thru/Walk-Up Service of Communion in front of the church from 12-2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Social Distancing and Mask Wearing will be practiced. It would be a help in our preparation if we knew who might be coming. Please contact Pastor Jim, Pastor Carolyn or Pastor Allison if you plan to participate.
Together in Spirit will gather at 6:00 on New Years Eve for a time of scripture, prayer, memory, hope and song.
Pastor Jim will email a recorded New Year’s Day Message, “A Year to Move Mountains,” to the congregation on January 1.
A Time For Prayer meets Saturday morning at 10:00