Letter to the Congregation

Dear Members and Friends of Christ Church,

It has taken the servant-leaders of Christ Church many months of prayer, study, and conversation to determine the leading of the Lord for our church’s future. It has been no surprise to us that the direction is the same as the one to which our founding members committed themselves 25 years ago. It is a commitment to be a healthy and vigorous community of believers on a mission to bring the gospel of our Savior to our city and world. We hope to accomplish this mission through church planting. Specifically, we pray to become, by God’s grace and for God’s glory, One Church of Multiple Congregations scattered around the city.

To accomplish this vision, we announced a Vision Fund drive at the Oct 25 Celebration Dinner. It is our prayer that we will receive $500,000 in pledges during this campaign. We have been humbled that $176,000 of that amount has already been pledged by the Elders and Deacons. Here are some specifics:

  • Pledges should be over and above your normal tithe, and may be made between now and Dec 6, 2009.
  •  Pledges may be fulfilled between now and August 31, 2011.
  • Donations will fund three inter-dependent initiatives:
    1. Salary support for Mike Sherburne, Pastor to Youth and Families, will enable Keith Dickerson to be re-tasked as our first church planter.
    2. Funding for the Church Plant (includes salary, site rental, equipment, etc).
    3. Sanctuary refurbishment: a single church of multiple congregations needs a beautiful home in which to provide large group training, worship, weddings, etc. Our current building is a bit worn; it’s time to freshen it up. A rendering is available online and in the church lobby for your review.
  • You can pledge securely via our web site at www.christchurch-pca.org (click the Church Planting tab on the home page, then select “Online Pledge Form” in the menu) or mail in the attached pledge card. Mark the envelope “Vision Fund” to assure confidenti

Our congregation has a long history of generous giving to the cause of the gospel. The economy has taken a hit, but we are confident in this vision because our Lord “owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” Because we believe this vision is from Him, we also believe he will “supply and increase your store of seed and enlarge the harvest of your righteousness…so that you can be generous on every occasion” (II Cor 9:11).

Should you have questions about details, we urge you to attend one of the dessert coffees that will take place on November 8 and 15 around the city. Locations and times are noted on the web site.

Most importantly, we implore you to pray. Plans like these will surely fail if we attempt to do them in mere human strength. Plans like these will surely prevail if weak people pray and labor in God’s strength.

 

On behalf of Christ Church,

Jim Dickenson and David G. Skinner

Church Planting Team Leaders