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Stepping Up |
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Location: Blogs Brad's Blog |
 | | Posted by: Brad Miller | 3/12/2008 8:25 AM | As I sit in this beautiful office, I am reminded that I am the recipient of planning and sacrifice of many, many people before me. When I came on board here at BCC, we were about 6 weeks away from having the “official” occupancy permit for the latest addition to the church. We had a work day the weekend before I arrived and set up desks, plugged in phones and computer lines, moved copiers, outfitted classrooms, etc. I remember someone (who for liability reasons will remain nameless but has the initials H.K.) telling Judy, Jennifer and me that if, prior to the “official” occupancy date someone who looked like an inspector came in, just stand up and say we were just over here setting things up and go back to the old office. Well, it all worked out and on December 31, 2001 we got the official permit to inhabit this beautiful new facility.
When the decision was made to move on this much needed expansion, a note was secured with the Board of Church Extension (a financial ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for $1,000,000. We have had two 3 year debt reduction campaigns since our occupancy and the current amount of the note is in the neighborhood of $670,000. Normally, we would be about to begin a third 3 year campaign to continue to pay down the debt, but the Official Board, after recommendations by the finance ministry and the executive committee has decided that at the present time we will conduct a 1 year campaign instead. The reasons for this are two fold: first, BCC is at the beginning of a “visioning” period where we are looking at where this church needs to be in the coming months and years. Included in that visioning are possibilities for some needed repairs to things like our parking lot, and possibilities for building enhancement projects that are at the current moment only dreams. Second, changes in our economy and the interest rates available may make it attractive to refinance or restructure our current loan to enhance the power of each dollar spent. So, rather than ask folks to commit to a three year pledge and then realize that we should change course, the decision was made to take this preliminary step in order to allow time for thoughtful decisions be made.
What we are asking is that you prayerfully consider how you can contribute to this 1 year debt reduction campaign. It will run from April 2008 to March 2009 and when that period is over, we will be in a position to conduct a 3 year campaign based on the outcome of any decisions made. It may be that nothing changes, but we want to be mindful of what is best for the church and its ministries. Can you commit to an amount equal to what you gave in the last year to debt reduction? Can you give a little more? If you have never participated in debt reduction would you consider participating now? Whatever you can pledge will help the goal of paying down our debt. In the next couple of days, you will receive a letter from the Stewardship and Finance Ministry outlining our needs and this opportunity to continue to help the church move forward.
Attached to this e-mail you will find a debt reduction pledge form. Pray about it, fill it out, send it to the church office, drop it in the offering plate, e-mail your response to judy@brookhavenchristian.org or mmclaughlin@ipinvestmentsgroup.com, hand it to Mike McLaughlin or Charles Kinney, or call Judy at the office and give her your information. When I think of who came before us to allow us to be here, doing what we do, I am in awe and I want to know how I can participate in their dream. This is one way. Think about it; pray about it and join me in participating in this campaign.
Celebrations
We have had a slew of celebrations in the last couple of weeks and so I thought I would concentrate on some of those today:
A great medical report for Shane Pinson
Germaine Curtin came through surgery with flying colors and is now cancer free
Sarah Brooks shook her infection and is back dancing in front of the congregation
Cynthia Freeman is working hard and making wonderful progress. She was able to attend last Saturday’s Tea (which was great – thanks to all involved) and was clearly thrilled to be back among her BCC family
Trae Hurst had a great medical report
Brian and Margaret Forstner are expecting twins in August
Brian Lovering has accepted a new opportunity in Belgrade Lakes, Maine. While we will miss him terribly, the new job challenge and chance to be near family in Maine will be wonderful for him. He has promised to take vacation so he can come back and sell Christmas trees.
And finally, after several years of being student intern, Pastor in Residence and working with the Administrative Ministry at First Christian Church of Decatur, Carol Miller is coming back to her Brookhaven family full time. She will miss her First Decatur family, but is looking forward to getting back into the flow of life at BCC and using her talents and gifts here. I know I won’t be alone in welcoming her!
Announcements
If you can help defray the costs of the Easter Baskets that are being distributed to children in need, simply put a check in the offering plate made out to BCC and write ‘Easter Baskets’ in the memo line, or contact Debbie Kinney – debbie@brookhavenchristian.org - for more information.
Shakespeare, Schmakespeare…do not beware the Ides of March…come instead to the church beautification work day this Saturday March 15 at 8:30. We need a big crew out to spread mulch, plant some flowers, etc. to get the ground looking the best they can for Easter. This event is being sponsored by the Garden Club and if you have questions, please contact Daonne Caldwell or Susan Hall.
We need your help for our annual pancake breakfast to be held at 8:00 a.m. on Easter Sunday. If you can help by setting up on Saturday March 22nd, or on Easter Sunday in the kitchen, bussing tables, cleaning up, serving, taking money, please contact me by return e-mail and we will be in touch. This is a wonderful way to welcome our neighbors and celebrate Easter together, so please pitch in as you can.
Holy Week is fast upon us. Make your plans now to celebrate this important week at BCC
o Sunday March 16: Palm Sunday
o Wednesday March 19: A new group, the BCC Prayer Ministry will meet in the sanctuary at 10:00 on Wednesday morning to be in intentional prayer for the church, the world, and all of God’s children. Contact Carolyn Flemming if you have questions. Come and share together.
o Thursday March 20 at 7:00 p.m.: Tenebrae Service
o Friday March 21 from noon to 3:00 p.m.: Good Friday Prayer Vigil sponsored by the Elders of BCC.
o Sunday March 23: Easter Sunday
§ Remember to bring fresh flowers to church to decorate the cross on the front lawn!
§ 7:00 a.m.: Ecumenical Sunrise Service at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church lawn. If weather is inclement, it will be in the OPC chapel.
§ 8:00 a.m.: Community Pancake Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall
§ 9:45 a.m.: Sunday school for all ages
§ 11:00 a.m.: Easter Worship Service
I hope to see you this Sunday as we celebrate Palm Sunday together. The sermon is entitled “Turning the Tables” and scripture is Matthew 21: 1-7. Hope you have a great rest of the week.
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