Mid-Week Update – March 19, 2009

Sunday Night’s “Town Hall Meeting” was excellent. Several people expressed both concern and consternation which is what is expected at such meetings.

Outcomes:

1. We’re in a holding pattern concerning the walls in the room behind the auditorium. The deacons and pastor will meet this coming Sunday to look at possibilities for that area. Several concerns were mentioned: (a) the need to completely redo the baptistry, (b) a leak which might require the foundation being torn up, ( c) whether or not we currently have sufficient space to accommodate anticipated growth, (d) Concern about just what the growth potential really is.
2. As soon as an estimate can be obtained we will present to the congregation a proposal to build a sound booth in the auditorium.
3. We introduced the idea of redoing the way we collect God’s tithes and offering. At some point we will probably place chests at the front and rear of the auditorium where people can deposit their tithes and offerings as well as visitor and decision cards on a trial basis. More on that later.
4. Pastor explained procedure for presenting business to the church. The process is as follows: At least ten (10) days before a scheduled business meeting, items to be presented must be published and disseminated to the congregation ( this necessitates each item being written out and signed). This process allows each person to prayerfully consider and discuss proposals before actually being required to vote on them. It allows intelligent discussion concerning the matter and generally provides for more information to be presented. Items not listed on the agenda will not be acted upon. Business meetings should not be long drawn out affairs. Most items of business in a Baptist Church can be acted upon in a referendum type “yes” or “no” vote especially when the items have been discussed at our “Town Hall Meetings.”
5. The need to more effectively itemize the budget was mentioned. Such would allow different groups to operate more freely without the need to seek authorization from the church for every expenditure. An example is the Property and Grounds Committee. P & G should be able to see how much is budgeted for them and make plans for the necessary upgrading and upkeep necessary through the year. Should an unexpected expense arrive they can come back to the Finance Committee and request additional funding which might be facilitated through moving unused funds from another category, or by asking the church to increase their authorized allotment.

Wednesday Night’s Bible Study and Prayer Service was really down in attendance. However, it just didn’t seem like 6:15 when I arrived. It seemed almost mid-afternoon. Let’s purpose to be here on Wednesday Nights.

This coming Sunday Morning I’ll be preaching on what to do when everything falls down around you. You’ll receive some practical suggestions to help in your everyday life.

Immediately following the Sunday Morning Worship Service, the BSBC Children’s Store will be open. Children have been earning BSBC Dollars for several weeks now, and this is their opportunity to redeem those “dollars” at the store. Should you like to contribute to the store contact Mrs. Diane Rasberry. We are still seeking someone to organize and run this ministry.

I’ll see you Sunday with a Bible in my hand and a message from God burning in my heart.