These are indeed exciting times at New Community Church. We, as a church, are reconnecting to our roots. We are rediscovering our distinctive values: inviting & welcoming, warm & friendly, loving & non-judgmental, authentic & real, open & honest, learning & growing, serving & supporting.
The theme for this year has been growth. Our staff has grown. There is a growing desire for connection as a community (e.g., through monthly communion, plans for a cross, and plans for a café awning). There is renewed spiritual growth in small groups and TLC on Thursday nights. And as a result, we have been experiencing unusually high attendance - 16% higher than last year. But numbers are not the most important thing. I believe there is a spiritual awakening going on here. We are poised for some of the most transformationally deep spiritual growth we have ever experienced. God is preparing to take us to new levels of intimacy with Him and with His people. These truly are exciting times at NCC!
This growth can only be sustained with the continued faithful giving of God’s people. For example, we currently owe $2,631,632 on the church building and $514,311 on the Lodge for a total debt of $3,145,943. Our total monthly mortgage payments are $23,466 (principal and interest). We are firmly committed to also set aside 10% of the annual financial campaign for missions. Consequently, we need to raise $310,000 just to service our debt. However, we would also like to make $80,000 in capital improvements, including a new awning for café. Due to our growth, we can no longer adequately support café indoors during times of adverse weather.
Consequently, our minimum target for our 2008-09 Financial Campaign is $400,000. Any amount raised above this figure would be used to support further mortgage debt reduction, thus helping to prepare us for future facility expansion.
It is important to remember that your campaign commitment goes above and beyond your weekly offering. It takes additional funding to support our personnel, utilities, communications, and supplies necessary for each of the following ministries: The Women’s Connection, REAL Men, Small Groups, Guest Services (including the Audio Ministry and the Welcome Center), Kid’s Kingdom, Student Ministries, Family Time, Family Institute, TLC@NCC, the Resource Center, the Care Response Team, Divorce Care, Divorce Care for Kids, the Tech Team, and our Music ministry.
In order to answer your questions concerning the 2009-09 Financial Campaign, the Annual Meeting will be held immediately following the 11:00am worship service on December 7th and will dedicate time to answering whatever questions you have concerning the church, including the 2008-09 Financial Campaign. In accordance with the by-laws of our church, NCC holds an annual meeting every year at this time. This is your opportunity to learn more about the church operations and its future. It is a great time to learn about how our church functions, what we have accomplished this past year, and where the Lord may be taking us in the near future.
The agenda this year will include a financial report from the Board of elders, an operational report from the Executive Pastor, and an assessment of our spiritual status and vision for moving forward from our Senior Pastor. There will also be time for discussion of this year’s 2008-09 Financial Campaign.
The meeting will be held immediately following the 11:00am service on Sunday, December 7th. This is an excellent time to come and get answers to your questions. Lunch will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!
Commitment cards will be distributed from November 16 – 30. Your commitments can be turned in, along with any gifts, from December 1 through the Christmas Eve Services. In the meantime, please be in prayerful consideration about how God would have you contribute this coming year.
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