As 2023 comes to an end, we look around and realize we have so much for which to be
thankful. The Lord has richly blessed us this year, as can be seen from even a casual look at a few
areas. In this morning’s sermon, we will be taking a look back at our work and worship over the
last 12 months, with the hope of stirring and motivating us to even greater heights in the new year.
Meanwhile, the following areas of special focus may be of interest to our readers.
- Capital Campaign: This has been a year of growing our Capital Campaign, and
positioning ourselves for expansion of our facilities. We began the year with a balance of
$793,845.74 in the Capital Campaign. We are pleased to report that accumulated interest and other
additions now bring that total to $892,313.21. Additionally, we have been blessed with an excess
over our weekly budget for the year. For several months each week in the Bulletin we have
published the following statement about our weekly contribution: “Excess over Budget will be
added at year’s end to the Capital Campaign.” Here at year’s end we do indeed have an excess
over budget in the amount of $62,448.88, which is now added to the Campaign, bringing the total
balance to $954,762.09. - Building Project: At this point, our building project expenses have been largely in the
areas of planning, engineering, land clearing, improvement permits and other administrative costs.
The first phase of our expansion involves construction of a larger parking area. A major portion of
the layout and engineering work for this phase has now been completed, and we have been able to
pay those expenses from funds outside of the Campaign. In this process, it became obvious that
we needed to acquire two adjacent parcels of land. The first of these was purchased in 2020, and
we have been clearing and improving that area, south of our existing building. We have also been
using the cottage on that parcel to house visiting speakers and other needs. On December 18, 2023
we executed a contract to acquire the remaining parcel, which currently contains an unusable house
near the church building. The total cost for this adjoining parcel was approximately $280,000.00,
which will leave a balance in our Capital Campaign in the approximate amount of $674,762.09.
Settlement for that parcel is scheduled for the end of January, 2024. Our plan is to remove the
house, and use that parcel to facilitate our parking and building expansion.
These developments could not have been accomplished without the generous contributions
of our members and friends. Looking forward, John Everson, our deacon of finances, will be
making a comprehensive budget presentation to the congregation on Sunday, January 7, 2024. At
that time, he will be laying out our budget for the new year, and the challenges we must now meet
as the Capital Campaign and building project proceeds. I want to express our thanks for the
commitment and sacrificial giving which has characterized this congregation throughout the year.
The Lord has richly blessed us, and we look forward to the exciting challenges and opportunities
awaiting us in 2024
