Join God's 110 Team
Together, we embarked on a monumental faith journey almost three years ago through our Building for His Future initiative. We believed God was calling us to make room for our neighbors, coworkers, family members and friends. So much has transpired over these past three years. We have participated time and again in God's grand plan of redemption as He has taken men and women, boys and girls who were "dead in their trespasses and sins" and made them "alive together with Christ" (Ephesians 2:1 & 5)— by His grace we have seen many saved. We launched our very first church-wide small group emphasis - 40 Days of Purpose - with over 100 people participating. We began our Upward flag football and cheerleading outreach effort. Our ministry to children ages birth through 5th grade on Sunday mornings has more than tripled in size! We lived through the worst natural disaster in American history and we moved into a brand-new, beautiful, state of the art 17,000 square foot worship center with an office and a preschool suite as well as several classrooms. The list could go on! Through it all, God has been faithful.
As far as we have come, much remains to be accomplished. Our mission as a church family is "to turn seekers of God into servants of Jesus Christ." Accomplishing our mission is arduous work. Those far away from God must be evangelized. New believers need to be discipled. Leaders are to be raised up and unleashed to do ministry. Healing is to be administered to the hurting. Every Christ-follower at Martin Bluff is to be equipped "for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God" (Ephesians 4:12&13).
For the past three years much of the energy of our church has been invested in the constructing of a building. Today, we are in the building! It is time for us to join hands and in partnership with Jesus Christ build His church. Remember the church is not a building, the church is you and me and all the believers who are a part of Martin Bluff. While the building is built, it is not paid for. Many of you participated in the Building for His Future Campaign. In April of 2005 you entered into a 3 year commitment of giving above and beyond your tithes and offerings for the construction of the new facility.
In September we are transitioning from the Building for HIS Future Campaign to the God's 110 Team Initiative. God's 110 Team is a 3 year campaign beginning October 1, 2007 to pay the mortgage for the new building. God's 110 Team members will pledge to pray for the church three times a day and to give three dollars a day for three years. Every one of us can pray at least three times a day for the growth and well-being of our church. Through 1 Thessalonians 5:17 every believer is instructed to "pray continually. " God hears and responds to the prayers of His people. And, many of us can give three dollars a day or more to ensure we meet our monthly mortgage obligation. What is the significance of the number "110?" One hundred and ten units of $3 equal $330 a day. The daily mortgage expense of the new building is $330.
So by setting aside the cost of 2 Cokes, or 1 gallon of gas, or a movie rental every day, you can make a big difference. We built the building as a ministry tool. We have an opportunity to take care of the expense of the building, so that we can focus on doing the work of the ministry. I do hope you will join me on the 110 Team.
September Declared "Catch-Up" Month
As discussed in last Sunday's Church Town Hall meeting, the financial leadership team of the church, Vernie Sullivan, Lee Countryman, Linda Crigler and I, believe the church should strive to have one month's budgeted expenses in reserve. We began the year with $20,000 in reserve. As we have wrapped up the construction project and moved into the new ministry space much of the reserve has been spent. At the end of July the reserve balance was $17,500. The current reserve balance is $2,000.
After reviewing the church's financial statement, Mrs. Wanda McKissack made the motion that September be declared "Catch-Up Month." She recommended the members of the church be encouraged to give above and beyond their regular tithes and offerings to "Catch-Up" the reserve fund. The motion was seconded and was unanimously passed by the members present. The "Catch-Up" goal is $25,000. The church family will receive a "Catch-Up" report every Sunday morning in September. Please clearly designate the "Catch-Up" amount on your offering envelope or the memo line of your check so giving can be accurately tracked.
Please stay tuned for information concerning a church-wide yard sale, bake sale and car wash. The "Yard Sale, Bake Sale, Car Wash Extravaganza" is being coordinated by Linda Bowker, Annisia McBeath, Bobbie Johnston and Linda Swain. The Extravaganza will be a great opportunity to reach out to our community and celebrate what God has done through us.
Rhonda and I continue to thank God that He invited us to participate in what He is accomplishing through His church known as Martin Bluff. Your generous, Christ-like spirit encourages us daily and is making an eternal difference in our community.
Warmly,
Eric
PS. Enclosed you will find a God's 110 Team pledge card. Please fill it out and place it in the offering plate on Sunday or mail it to the church office. You can also drop it off during church office hours or register on-line by clicking the "God's 110 Team Link" found on the home page of our website www.mbbchurch.com.
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