Dear CCC Friends and Family,
What a start to 2016! We have approved a budget expected to stretch us, and we have hired a part-time Children’s Ministry Director. Our study of the Beatitudes of Matthew 5 has challenged us as disciples, and the youth ministry is preparing to multiply into Middle School and High School groups under the leadership of Beth Griffin. Outreach is ramping up as we approach Easter followed quickly by Summer Sports Camp, Youth Retreat, and Elevation Celebration. We are also working through the rezoning process in order to launch a capital campaign with its goal to finish the remaining incomplete construction on our campus.
As we left budget plans during the annual meeting, the Trustees and Elders have been watching the weekly giving totals closely. It was determined at the end of February that giving has increased to meet and in some cases exceed the budget approved for 2016 enough to approve the hiring of Kirstin Pulioff as Children’s Ministry Director. How exciting it is to expand the staff as we grow and set ourselves up to reach our community in a more effective way into the future!
What’s next? With both attendance and giving on the increase, we will be working to accommodate more people and increasing funding to programs and facility. In the mean time here are a few ways you can make a difference right now…
- Parking is a growing issue with increased attendance. Any who are able to arrive a few minutes early and wouldn’t mind walking across Barkley Rd. can help open existing parking at the church by parking at West Jeff Elementary School. This would allow our guests to have the opportunity to park in our church parking lot as they determine if CCC will become their church home in the future.
- Designated Giving is a way to help us move forward on a few special projects that our current budget doesn’t contain. This would be a special offering designated as “Special Projects” outside of regular giving. There are two $3,000 projects (Overflow monitors and sanctuary remodel) pending the funds available for their completion. These projects would improve the overall experience for our Sunday morning worship services and allow the youth and children’s ministries to launch some outreach efforts in a more immediate way. If you would like to help with these projects, you may give through our website online giving option or by writing a check designated to “Special Projects.”
- Volunteer to help our church continue it’s effective growth and impact on our community. April 3 we will be hosting our first Volunteer Fair to make it clear and simple how to join with a ministry team in furthering our great eternal cause of building the Kingdom of God. Plan to stay for the potluck lunch following the 9:15 service and take some time to talk with ministry leaders while checking out opportunities in our church to join the volunteer team.
- Continue in kindness… It is very encouraging to hear stories of kindness spreading in our community through CCC. Please continue to act kindly and share the stories as we seek to build a community of kindness here in the Conifer area.
There are many things to celebrate right now in the life of our church! And we want to continue the momentum as we move toward Summer. After Easter, we will begin a new series studying the book of Nehemiah. This book will help us develop a deeper burden for the work of God in our community and develop our vision for what God wants to do today through His church as we seek Him with all our mind and strength. Let’s continue to march together in step with our savior and with all grace and kindness.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Lance
