With the pastors and elders attending the Westminster Seminary California Annual Conference in mid-January, our monthly meeting was postponed until Wednesday, January 29, at 6:30 a.m.

Pastor Pat began the meeting with prayer asking the Lord to help the leadership focus on those things which mattered, and that our labor would be carried out with gratitude and with care. We are thankful for the strength the Lord supplies even in our weakness, and are humbled to see fruitfulness in gospel ministry throughout the church body.

Mike Grimes followed by leading us through the London Baptist Confession of 1689 Chapter 4 - Creation. This is our second time through the confession, and C.H. Spurgeon’s introduction still holds true that this “little volume .. is an assistance .. in controversy, a confirmation in faith, and a means of edification in righteousness.”

Next, Frank Barber was pleased to report a strong month of giving in December. Our annual net income is currently $53,912 over budget.

We thank God for his provision through the body and ask your continued prayer for wise management of the resources God has given.

We then addressed the matter of renewing the terms of several of our deacons. Vimal George, Martin Bast, and John Widhalm were each affirmed for a three-year extension of their service.

We have a great group of men being used by the Lord in service to the body. Ed Pille was also up for renewal but has chosen to step down to pursue other opportunities of ministry in the church.

Ed has been a faithful servant and has gained a good standing in his service as a deacon. May God richly bless him – he has been a blessing to the body and will continue to be so.

We also spent some time sharing and discussing opportunities we have had to speak the truth of Christ to those both inside and outside of the church. Please pray God’s word would take root in people’s hearts. For some, that they might believe for eternal life, and for others, that they would grow in faith, in hope, and in love.

We finished the morning with a review of those who have submitted a request to become members with the body at OBC. There were many to be reviewed with a few still in the docket.

We look forward to welcoming them Sunday, February 9. It will be a great time of fellowship and praise.