The Elders of OBC met for their monthly meeting on Wednesday, July 12. Dave Guthrie began our morning by focusing on Article 6, the Fall and Sin, from the London Baptist Confession of Faith.

We were reminded of God’s two ordained representatives for the human race. God created Adam perfect and appointed him to represent humanity by requiring him to be faithful to keep God’s command. Yet, Adam willfully disobeyed God’s command and brought the whole human race into his trespass.

Adam’s guilt was conveyed to all those he represented. Consequently, we are born with a guilty standing and corrupt natures. We praise God for His grace in salvation through Jesus Christ, God’s representative for our redemption.

Christ fulfilled God’s will in thought, word and deed and received the judgment of guilt for sinners who trust in Him for salvation. What a glorious Savior!

Our discussion for the evening opened with a review of the financial reports for the month of June. Average attendance for the month was 358. General offering was $52,927 for the month against a budget of $53,041.

We praise the Lord that so many were able to attend the preaching of the Word through the Gospel of John. We pray the body continues to be encouraged to see and savor the preciousness of the gospel of Jesus and be re-encouraged to remain faithful and committed to the ministry of the gospel as our number one priority.

Regarding membership, Jessica Haider applied for membership to the church, and the elders were pleased to accept her membership application. The elders also acknowledged Toby and Elise Free’s request to withdraw their membership at this time.

We were thankful to hear that the roof has been completed. We have been in the building on State Street now for 11 years and understand that repairs on the building will be required.

We are hoping the roof will protect the building for another 15-20 years of ministry. We are now working on bids for concrete work to be done on the sidewalks surrounding the church building.

Frank Barber closed our evening by asking for prayer for the prison ministry. Reformed churches are continuing to be marginalized for their commitment to the gospel and the authority of Scripture.

We remember Paul's encouragement to preach the gospel both in season and out of season. Well at this time it would seem to be out of season, so we will pray that God opens doors for the ministry of the gospel.

Grace and Peace,

Chris Peterson on behalf of the Elders