West Main

 SHEPHERD TALK 

(December 2010) 

Dear Fellow-Servants: 

The year is ending. What has 2010 been for you and what does 2011 hold?

We have suffered with some with surgeries, injuries, sickness and death, along with financial reversals and loss or cutbacks in jobs. Prayer together has been special. Sharing financial burdens with some has been important. Love and unity and happiness in serving have been especially evident. For these reasons it has been a good year!

The church as a whole has struggled with some of the same financial conditions, with decreases in ministry and dreams delayed. Yet, some of the most striking events have taken place this year: Christians In Action (CIA) during the summer, the lakeside worship, successful Camp, VBS, Men’s and Women’s Retreats, a Marriage Seminar, multiple Youth initiatives, Safe Harbor events, Daughters of the King, a Children’s Christmas program, along with Children’s Worship. 

New ministries were introduced in 2010: A Prison Ministry and cooperation with Bob Stapp in working among the Youth in the Valley (Youth For Christ). They both promise many expanding opportunities. A conflict reconciliation class was followed by a Relational Covenant, along with a published, ministry review. We continued to regularly host Adventures In Learning, Youth For Christ and an AA Chapter in our building.

We have been constrained in cutting back our mission work in Mexico and the Bahamas, but our mission team built two homes in San Felipe with plans to go back again in 2011. Needy children and a generous donation to Haiti were prominent contributions in 2010. With a stronger economy and increased giving we will have a fresh look at our mission commitments.

Because of the level of contributions, both regular and special, we are projecting a balance at year’s end of $15,000 in the checking account, with all bills paid. Through special sacrifices, we completed a greatly needed roofing project before winter. Our list of needed facility improvements will need to be carried over into the new year (e.g. rebuild an over-loaded electrical board, carpet the courtyard foyer for the safety of our children, sound control and appearance, lighten the inner foyer and auditorium, create some classroom space, etc.). Other Church developments in 2011 will include a training series for new leaders and a revision of the by-laws to update the articles.

Our two ministers, Terry Christopher and Brian Pannell, have served unusually well in their different ministry roles, being enthusiastic, creative, involved and supportive of one another and working well with the elders. 

New brothers and sisters have been added to the West Main Family in 2010, by formally placing membership or by baptism: Bob Tisdel, Sherry Harris, Gerry McCord, Vivian and Mary White, Mason and Beth Marshall, Nancy Marquez, Angelina Darland, Chris Brass, Debra Greenlee, and Youth baptized at Camp: Kendra Christopher, Aspen Drew, Cherokee Evans, Tayler Hibner, Dalton Moreno, Bethany Mort, Kevin Stapp, Hudson Thomas, and Micah Thomas. We are praying for a harvest of precious souls in 2011. 

May we lift up together our gifts and praise to an awesome God.

Your Shepherds,

(Lance Lake, 2011 Chairman, Merlin Ragsdill, Mel Hamilton, Charlie Anderson, Truman Scott, Larry Denn, Gerry Flock)

Our Annual Business Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at 6:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.  All members are encouraged  to come.

Christian Relief Fund  – We send an extra donation in December for our “adopted” children to be able to receive a  Christmas present from us.  You may donate when the collection is passed around during class time or you may put your donation in the contribution plate in an envelope marked for Christian Relief Fund.  Thank you for your generous support of our children.

Daughters of the King will begin again in January.  Our first session will be January 22^nd.  Be watching for more information on future dates.

Men’s Retreat at Little River Christian Camp is January 28-29.  Plan now to attend.

New Year Eve’s Pinochle Party will be held at the home of Gerry and September Flock at 7:00 p.m. for all those people who enjoy playing pinochle.  Please RSVP to Lois Smith for you and your partner if you plan on attending.

Children’s Worship - There will be NO Children’s Worship this Sunday during our services.  Children’s Worship will resume on Sunday, January 2^nd.

New Granddaughter - Terry and Debra Burchett are pleased to announce the birth of their new granddaughter, Ayanna Marie, on Monday December 20^th.  Terry and Kat Burchett are the proud parents.

Prayer Requests . . . 

Please remember Mel Hamilton as he recovers from his fall.  He will be having another surgery tomorrow ... Please continue your prayers for healing for Sharen Rose for her broken arm ... Pray for good blood test results for Cooper Albright ...  Angelina Darland would like prayers for a new job in a dentist office ... For all of our fa milies who will be traveling this holiday season ... For our President and all of our military men, women and families.                     

NO BULLETIN - We will NOT be publishing a bulletin next week.  Any announcements that you have for the Sunday Bulletin for January 2, 2011, need to be turned into the office by December 28^th. 

Thank You Notes . . .

* A huge thank you goes to all those people who helped make our Children’s Christmas program such a huge success.  We had an amazing crowd here and the children and adults gave a wonderful presentation of the birth of Christ.  Thank you all!

* To all of you at West Main - Thank you for all the prayers, the lovely basket of flowers and balloons, the hospital visits, and your cards and phone calls.  My love and prayers go out to you. 

                             Love Always, Betty Butler

November Financial Statement

INCOME:

EXPENSES:

***************************************

JANUARY   SERVERS

Coffee Servers: Don & Lorraine Ball

Nursery: Jan 2: Ferne Scott;    Jan 9: Maggie Cushman

                Jan 16, 23, 30: Help Needed, Contact Diane Liles

Greeters: Larry Denn; Dorothy Trimmer

                  Kent and Sandy Watson                           

DECEMBER  ATTENDANCE

1^st Sunday                267           3^rd Sunday     285

2^nd Sunday               273           4^th Sunday     N/A

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Dec 31: Pinochle Party at the Flock’s home; 7:00 p.m.

Jan 4: Annual Business Meeting; FSR; 6:30 p.m.