Dear First Pres,
This past Tuesday night we had our November Session meeting and I think it’s important to update you on our work for the future of FPC.
For the last few years, we have purposely budgeted beyond our expected revenues. We had accumulated a large amount of cash available for operations (beyond what we felt was needed). So, we chose to leverage those funds for ministry and campus improvements (like the Fellowship Hall bathrooms). Now, as we plan for 2020, we need to conform our budget back to our expected revenues. We haven’t finalized our 2020 budget yet, but one thing became clear this week. Even though two people are leaving the staff, we need to limit ourselves to hiring one new replacement.
Now that this has become clear, the Session is working hard to determine what areas of ministry are in most need of staff leadership right now. Our goal is to have this figured out by Christmas so that we can start searching for that next staff member in January. Meanwhile, we are also working hard to make sure there is good coverage for the areas of ministry that Pastors Lana and Chris have been leading. I’m especially grateful to the folks who have stepped up in volunteer leadership over these areas.
Finally, I hope you can sense that the Lord is at work among us. We can trust Him to lead our Session and provide for our needs during this season of transition. So, please join us in prayer. Pray that the Lord brings our church together in unity. Pray that the Lord gives wisdom to our Session in discerning Christ’s will. Pray that the Lord gives us courage and faith to do whatever it is that He asks us to do. Pray with thanksgiving for God to continue to use FPC for the redeeming transformation of our city and world.
Blessings,
Jeremy
P.S. I also invite you to pray for Chris and Lisa Popadich this week as they are visiting a few churches who are interested in Chris being their pastor. Pray that the Lord gives clear discernment of His call and fills them with hope.
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