Mike Holloway read article 13 of the London Baptist Confession of Faith of 1869 regarding the topic of "Sanctification." It was encouraging to consider how God's work in Christ through the Holy Spirit continues to grow and change us over many years as we become more mature in Christ. 

Our financial report for the month was one of mixed results. Giving for the month of June was well below our planned budget for the month, and that moved our year-to-date giving through June to $682,113, which is $87,952 below our plan of $770,067. 

On a more positive note, our monthly expenses were $3,811 under our planned spending, and that brought our year-to-date expenses to $628,323, which is only $2,720 over our year-to-date planned expenses. This leaves our net income for the year at a slightly positive $5,551. Please continue to pray for our finances as we move toward the end of our fiscal year on August 31, 2023.

This then led to a discussion regarding our new budget for the ministry year that begins on September 1, 2023. The fact we paid off our mortgage loan on our facility in June gives us more flexibility as we look ahead to the next ministry year. 

In light of the fact that we expect to have some financial challenges, we set a target budget for the next fiscal year of $875,000, which is a reduction of over $56,000 from our budget this fiscal year. This will reduce our weekly giving needs by over $1,000 per week starting September 1. 

In a couple of other matters, the elders have approved the presentation of some new deacon candidates to the congregation during August. The specific date has yet to be determined. 

Also, we are planning to replace the vent socks in the auditorium. That work should start on a Monday in mid-August and should reduce the sound of the HVAC system in the auditorium. No Sunday service disruption is expected from this installation. 

The meeting was closed in prayer at 8:20 p.m. Our next meeting is scheduled for August 15, 2023.

Mike reviewed the giving and expense numbers for December and January. We had two strong months, and were encouraged by the body’s faithful giving.

Next, we had the opportunity to visit with ministry leaders Dustin and Becky Linden. Dustin oversees the Children's Church ministry, and Becky oversees the Cleaning ministry. Both are such important ministries in the body, and it was encouraging to hear about the number of people serving in both. If you're looking for an opportunity to serve in either ministry, please talk with Dustin or Becky.

We then reviewed the first chapter of the London Baptist Confession (LBC) of 1689 – The Holy Scriptures. Possibly the longest section of the LBC, it covers the sufficiency of the Bible and its importance in the life of the believer.

We also discussed the upcoming all Church workday on April 15 – a wonderful opportunity to care for our church building. Mike closed our meeting in prayer thanking God for his continued faithfulness and lifting up the Simwaka family as they transition to full-time ministry in Malawi. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 28.

Psalm 139

Preaching The Word

Israel's "Superman" - Conceived, Born, And Begins To Save // Judges 13-14

Worship In Song

Glorious Day // by Michael Bleecker

Lamb of God // by Sovereign Grace Music

His Be The Victor's Name // by Zac Hicks

Jesus Paid It All // hymn by Elvina Hall

Revelation Song // by Gateway Worship

2 Corinthians 5

Preaching The Word

Understanding Faith (Part 5) // Selected Scriptures

Worship In Song

Because of Your Love // by Paul Baloche

Lamb of God // by Sovereign Grace Music

The Glory of the Cross // by Sovereign Grace Music

All I Have Is Christ // by Sovereign Grace Music

2 Corinthians 5

Preaching The Word

Understanding Faith (Part 4)

Worship In Song

Holy, Holy, Holy // by Audrey Assad

Fairest Lord Jesus // hymn by A. Fallersleben, J. Seiss

Man Of Sorrows // by Hillsong

I Boast No More // by Caedmon's Call

Lamb Of God // by Sovereign Grace Music

1 John 1

Preaching The Word

Understanding Faith (Part 3) // Selected Scriptures

Worship In Song

Praise To The Lord The Almighty // hymn by

Psalm 62 // by Aaron Keyes

I Will Glory In My Redeemer // by Sovereign Grace Music

Forgiven Forever // by Carl Cartee

John 6:25-51

Preaching The Word

Understanding Faith (Part 2) // Selected Texts

Worship In Song

Behold Our God // by Sovereign Grace

Our Great God // by Fernando Ortega

Lamb of God // by Vertical Church Band

Completely Done // by Sovereign Grace

Redeemed, Restored, Forgiven // by Matthew Smith

Romans 10

Preaching The Word

Understanding Faith (Part 1) // Selected Scriptures

Worship In Song

All Creatures of Our God and King // hymn by St. Francis

Hallelujah What a Savior // hymn by Philip Bliss

O Fount of Love // by Matt Boswell

Blessed Assurance // hymn by Fanny Crosby

Colossians 1:1-14

Preaching The word

God's Plan For Christian Fruitfulness // Colossians 1:1-14

Worship In Song

Bless The Lord // by Carl Cartee

Blessed Be Your Name // by Matt Redman

Jesus I My Cross Have Taken // by Indelible Grace

Cornerstone // by Tim Neufeld

Christ The Sure And Steady Anchor // by Matt Boswell

Gospel Doxology // by Coral Ridge Worship

John 17

Preaching The Word

Trouble and Trouble Makers // Titus 3:9-15

Worship In Song

Come Thou Fount // hymn by Robert Robinson

Psalm 103 // by Zach Jones

Nothing But The Blood // hymn by Robert Lowry

There Is A Fountain // hymn by William Cowper