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Pastor's Page

Posted on December 30, 2003 ...

The days leading up to New Year’s typically are pretty hectic. Not only do I have the regular demands of preaching and pastoral ministry, I also face the deadline for a writing assignment. In addition, there are several financial matters to calculate before our office can close the books on 2003. Throw in the fact that later this week the McCluskeys will gather first with my wife’s family and later with my family to exchange Christmas gifts, and there is hardly a moment to spare. It is tough to think of 2004 when I am still trying to finish things for 2003! But that is all right. Before moving on to the new year, it is good to do some review of the things that have occurred in our church during the past year.

First, 2003 was a year of staff transition. When the year began, we had interim leadership with both our music and student ministries. In February we welcomed Lanny Green as Minister of Worship. Kyle Wiltshire came aboard as Minister of Students in July. Much administrative attention in the autumn part of the year went to securing new staff leadership for our preschool ministries. In short, the faces around the table during our weekly staff meetings have changed considerably in the past twelve months.

Worship experiences have centered around the noble themes of prayer and family. During the Sundays leading up to Easter, I preached on individual phrases of The Lord’s Prayer. Summer sermons considered conversations that various Bible characters had with God. The Fall Family Portrait gave attention to our roles in both our biological families and our church families. Family Reunion Sunday and the Fall Family Revival highlighted the beginning and ending of numerous activities during these weeks. Our discipleship classes of Motherwise and Fatherwise complimented this season’s theme.

Annual student events such as DiscipleNow, Vacation Bible School, Florida Camp, and Mission Trip were meaningful experiences for all participants. Several NCBC folk participated in short-term mission work.

Financially, our budget once again will complete the year in the black.(This is far better than the alternative.) We exceeded our mission offering goal for the North American Mission Board by 14 percent and gave generous special offering to the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home and The Golden Offering for State Missions. As for our Lottie Moon Offering, well….the total is not yet complete. While we have exceeded the amount we gave last year, we are yet to attain our goal of $20,000.00. Stay tuned. Faith for the Future gifts trimmed our indebtedness to less than $40,000.00.

Space prevents me from telling more. In short, it was a good year to be a part of our church family. Sunday morning, I look forward to sharing with you some of my thoughts toward 2004. See you then!