Pastor's Corner
July 2004
A Message From Pastor Greg
In this month's article I had some "odds and ends" to share with you regarding our church ministry to keep you updated on what the Lord is doing here at Ustick. So here they are.
Assistant Pastor Search
After several months of praying and seeking the Lord, the candidate whom the Elders had asked to consider the position has declined it. While we are disappointed, we know that "the mind of a man plans his ways but the Lord directs his steps" (Proverbs 16:9)! As God has closed that door we will now be praying and looking for another candidate. The elders will be soliciting resumes and interviewing as the Lord leads and we are trusting God for just the right staff person for our church.
Giving
With the Summer upon us and people traveling there is always a concern that we are faithful to continue our giving to the Lord's work here at Ustick. Currently our giving has been wonderful for the year and we are "in the black" with our giving exceeding our budget. Part of that is our not having to pay an assistant Pastor this year. We could always use more giving to our Ministry Expansion fund (over and above our general giving) which goes to pay off the loan on our new facilities for ministry. Again I urge us all to keep being faithful stewards of the resources God has given us and with regards to the church that we remember II Corinthians 9:7, "Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver."
Deacons
With our revised Constitution and structure of leadership, the elders will be prayerfully selecting men to bring before the congregation to serve as Deacons. Their responsibilities will include serving communion, helping with baptisms and helping to look out for the needs of the distressed and needy within our congregation. Hopefully those names can be presented to you in the early Fall for affirmation.
Prayer
We continue to have many things to pray for this summer. These include the Junior High and High School camps this month as well as our church family camp. I would also encourage you to pray for those in our church family who are grieving over the loss recently of loved ones such as Lucas Attebery, Pete Peterson and Margaret Mouser. In addition we need to be in prayer for our government with this election year and specifically for the decisions regarding the family and marriage (see note in Newsletter regarding the Federal Marriage Amendment). Of all the things we do as Christians, prayer must be at the forefront!
Church Property
I received word recently that we are moving forward with a new church sign that is beautiful! You can see the drawing for it on the bulletin board in the Activity Center. The date I heard for this project to be completed is around August 6th. As far as the parking lot expansion, things are moving forward with engineering, architect drawings and approval from the county. The hope is that this will be a project completed by summer's end.
So there you have some diverse "odds and ends". In all of this we rejoice that the Lord guides and the Lord provides. In all of this and everything else we do this summer, we strive to seek His glory for our good!
Serving with you,
