Blog
February Pastor’s Pen
Dear Church,
At a recent Wednesday church meal, a mom shared with me how much her children love coming to church, how they are sad if the calendar or snow keeps them from coming, and how much joy it gives her knowing her children love what they experience at FBC JC.
Stories like these make my day and warm my heart. These transformative moments are possible because many give generously of their time and finances as we live out our mission to lead people into life-giving relationships with Christ and each other.
We closed 2023 with nearly $10,000 in increased giving and $38,000 more in additional revenue than the previous year. We also had an increase in average giving of $291 this past year. More people are investing in what God is doing in and through FBC JC.
You also gave nearly $143,000 in 2023 to various mission partnerships and initiatives. Read that again – nearly $143,000 towards missions! $77,718.48 of that amount was above and beyond the 7% received from offerings. We served over 700 for our annual Thanksgiving Community Meal and provided over 1,045 free meals through our weekly Wednesday Community Meal. From Ukraine to South School, from Tunisia to the Crow Creek Reservation, from benevolence needs to those unhoused in our city, and so much more. When I tell people that FBC JC is a generous congregation, I have the receipts.
We enter 2024 in a solid financial position and, I believe, a solid position in all the ways that matter.
I want to thank you for your faithful generosity as givers and volunteers. Every hour, volunteer, dollar, prayer, and person matter. Together, God builds God’s Kingdom by inviting (and commanding) us to be a part of God’s redemptive work. Together, we’re better than we’ll ever be on our own. Great days are ahead as we continue to build on FBC JC’s incredible legacy, a legacy you are part of making.
As we prepare our hearts for the season of Lent beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 14, may we continue to be people who live “altared lives” – lives that embrace the radical self-sacrificing way of Christ. You may read more about the Lenten season at FBC JC on page 3 of our Beacon.
For the glory of God and the good of the world,
Pastor Mel