blog.NightChurch.org

a note from Pastor Gary Schwarz, lead pastor of FBC (our parent church):
my comments will be in italics as they relate to NightChurch!



September 10, 2010,

Dear Members and Friends of FBC (including NightChurch),

I want to take a moment to thank you for your generosity and sacrificial giving at a financially difficult time. Because of your offerings to the Lord in August, we exceeded our monthly budget by $1,500. Last week’s giving was equally generous—$23,880. (Our donations go to FBC's general fund and thus add to these totals.)

These are hard times for many of us. Yesterday I made a tally of those who are unemployed, underemployed, or whose businesses have suffered a downturn, and I came up with 22 names! We are praying with you! And if you have not yet told us about your needs, please do, so we can pray for you too. (Please do communicate with someone from NightChurch leadership so that we can sympathize with and support you!)

For those who are struggling, I don’t want to add to your stress load. But for those who can continue giving sacrificially, please do so. September is historically our lowest month of giving, which means if we keep from falling behind this month, I am confident we’ll make it through the rest of the year in good shape. Let me add that we’re also keeping a tight rein on spending. Our two biggest budget items are missions and staff, and our staff has gone without any raises in their salaries for two years now. (Just a reminder that NightChurch does not have a staff position at FBC and is entirely volunteer driven)

Before I finish, let me remind you about an important upcoming event—our congregational meeting scheduled for Sunday afternoon, October 10, at 12:30 pm. This is your chance to ask questions and give us input about two timely issues—the status of Mason County Christian School, for which we provide oversight, and the possibility of adding an elevator and making improvements to our facility, like replacing the siding on the outside of our building. We want to hear from you before we proceed with any such expenditures. So please add this date to your calendar and make every effort to join us. (While the building issues don't directly impact us at C3, many of us at NightChurch do have a close relationship with MCCS.)

One more matter that will take place at that time is the affirmation of elders. Elders serve 3-year terms and must be affirmed by 67% of those present at a business meeting called for this purpose. This summer you heard from 5 elders who have served at least one 3-year term and are seeking to serve an additional 3 years—Len Williams, Mark Sawyer, Bill Swanson, Rich Unterseher, and Ryan Spurling. A few other men have also been suggested to us and we expect that one more name will be added to the list in the next week or two. Please prayerfully consider these men and, if you are a voting member, come ready to cast your ballot on October 10th. If you have concerns about the qualifications of any of these nominees, please share you concerns with an elder prior to that day. Or, if you have a suggestion for elder, please let us know that too. (The FBC elders are the governing body of the Church, which includes NightChurch, so please make an effort to attend this meeting and contribute your opinions and support to our covering.)

Finally, don't forget that we have an outdoor worship service and picnic scheduled for this coming Sunday morning at Kneeland Park beginning at 10:30 am. Right now the forecast is for rain. I'm praying that will change. But if it doesn't, please check your email Saturday afternoon or evening. We'll let you know at that time if we're meeting at the park or back at the church building for an indoor picnic. Whichever we do, I promise we'll have a great time of worship and fellowship. (Please feel free to join the larger FBC family at this gathering. NightChurch will be cooking burgers in order to serve our larger church body. Also, don't forget we'll behaving our last Summer BBQ at C3 this Sunday evening!)

I consider it a great privilege and responsibility to serve the Lord as one of your pastors. Thanks to all of you for making it a pleasure and joy as well!

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Gary

(NightChurch related comments by Justin)