Dear First Pres,
During February's Annual Meeting we asked if FPC members would "be obedient if God asks you to give more." It was amazing when you responded by standing if you would commit to this. I asked a friend, one of the first I saw stand, why he stood. His answer was inspiring. He simply said he wanted to be part of something that takes risks for God's kingdom. God puts this simple desire in all our hearts. He wants us to be the light of the world, shining in the darkness. From our perspective, that's taking a risk for Him.
So how are we doing? In terms of finances through April we are almost in line with where we hoped to be, let's call it a few percentages short. Thank you for sticking to what you committed to and being obedient. There is of course (I'm on finance) still room for more funds. (See PS below for actual numbers.) And for sure, let's thank God for providing for our church and choosing to do it through us.
Let me also report on our progress on two major facility improvements.
We have the initial plan done for the Fellowship Hall bathroom upgrade. In brief, we are doubling the number of stalls and urinals. The design feature that got the best reaction at session was that stalls will be bigger than the minimum size required by code. Amen!!
The news regarding the parking lot solar project is patience, patience, patience. PG&E has tentatively approved our plan, but we don't have the final go. Please pray that God will let PG&E see the light and approve our plan.
It's much harder to quantify how we are doing as a church and individually in terms of seizing the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with God by being obedient. I recently heard a story that I want to share about how obedience is not just us giving to God but God giving obedience to us.
At Raisin City Church last week Pastor Cruz shared about his sister's family in Mexico. Their now 12 year old son was diagnosed with autism at an early age. The family were not believers, even hostile toward Pastor Cruz's faith and Jesus.
Over the last two years, as the boy grew in size, he became more and more uncontrollable and was constantly hurting himself. The family tried many different medicines and methods, expending much energy and money, even drawing on some spiritual practices, but nothing helped. His behavior worsened. A few months ago the sister called Pastor Cruz and explained her exhaustion, frustration and even desperation. Pastor Cruz asked if she was willing to do absolutely anything to help her child. When she said, "yes" he shared the Gospel, inviting her to repent and believe. She did and soon after her husband also did. As Pastor Cruz discipled them, he said they must rid themselves of all their sin. They diligently began to purge their lives of bad practices. They went through the home clearing out the idols and images that had been brought in to help cure their son. They also began attending church, praying, and reading the bible regularly.
God's glory appeared. Their home became filled with peace and joy. The boy's demeanor completely changed and the family enjoyed living in God's grace and love. Their autistic son stopped hurting himself and, to his parents' amazement, became obedient and happy.
From this story I learned obedience is not just what we can give to God, but it's a gift God gives to us. As we submit our lives to the Lordship of Christ, He gives His peace and love which permeate our lives, drawing us willingly into a life of joyful obedience. This gift enables us to more fully enjoy being his child.
This is one example of how God worked obedience into a submitted life. How about you? Do you have a story to share? Your Session elders would love to hear your stories of how God is working in your life as you live out this commitment to be obedient.
This update covers what we have done for the first 1/3 of the year, January - April. Being a math major and a realist, I deduce we have 2/3 left. Please continue to seek God and remember Acts 20: 24: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace."
I'm asking for us to remember our commitment and take the time and effort to dialog with God on finishing the task well. Also God has brought several new people to our congregation. Some may have missed the first opportunity to make a commitment. If so, please consider committing to "be obedient if God asks you to give more" and then, if you make this commitment, talk to God and see what plans He has for you.
Finally, please continue to be obedient and also ask for obedience so that you, your family, and our church may enjoy the fullness of God's Grace, Joy, Peace and Love.
Thank You,
Allan Knepper, Facilities & Finance Elder
(with help from the Finance team)
PS. Here are numbers as of April 30. You have given a total of $467,084. The year to date projected giving needed to meet the entire budget is $478,942. These figures, along with the giving for the month, are always in the Sunday Service bulletin.
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