From the Chairman of the Board

 

Have you ever asked or heard someone ask questions like… Who is my elder? What does the board of directors do? Or, what is the shepherd ministry’s purpose?

 

As your chairperson of the board of directors for the next year, my goal is to improve communications in order to keep the congregation well informed and minimize confusion. I’d like to begin by informing you who the 2008-2009 board of directors, officer titles, and respective areas of ministry that best fit our gifts and talents are. (Officers are in bold)

 

Sarah Baker – Worship (Secretary)

Dennie Denson – Properties

Debbie Greene – Fellowship

John Hall – Stewardship (Director of Finance)

Shawn Mertz – Communications/Operations (Chairperson)

Don Rahn – Education/Discipleship (Vice-Chairperson)

Carol Schilling – Outreach/Evangelism

 

I want to take a moment to inform you of a few changes/additions in tools used to communicate better with you. The first change is electronically. If you are receiving e-prayers as requested and the weekly prayers, you will now be receiving a weekly information email highlighting upcoming events and other great information. If you are not receiving these emails please call me at 826-6010 and I can add you to the email list of recipients. Prayer requests can be sent to prayers@emmanuel-hermitage.org and information to be posted can be sent to information@emmanuel-hermitage.org. Information will be consolidated into one weekly email unless it is something concerning the upcoming Sunday.

 

Next, many of you have requested a new church directory. The latest addition is on the table in the narthex. These will be updated monthly and available upon request at any time. An updated version will be printed automatically at least quarterly.

 

Also, as the shepherd ministry continues, an updated contact list will be out soon. New members will be added as well as contact information updated. Please call me if you do not know who your shepherd is. Please remember that any elder is available for any spiritual or prayer needs. The shepherds are primarily to keep in contact with you (Building Relationships in Christ) and when there is important information to be sent our (phone tree calls). Shepherds can certainly be used to relay prayer and other needs to the appropriate church leader.

 

If you ever have any questions or suggestions please contact Shawn Mertz

 

Thanks and may the Lord bless you and our congregation,

Shawn Mertz

 

Financial New$

 

Stewardship is a year ‘round discipline, however, in the fall churches often have a time when this is studied, preached on, emphasized and our full commitment encouraged.  Emmanuel Lutheran is planning these activities now.

 

However, prior to that time of emphasis it seems to me that it would be profitable if each of us just took inventory as to where we are in our stewardship commitment.  Perhaps answering the following questions will help each of us quantify this.

 

Each week I spend ______ hours in God’s service.

Each week I spend ______ hours in God’s service to Emmanuel Lutheran.

The members of Emmanuel can count on me to do the following jobs, as they are needed.

____________________, ___________________, ____________________.

Each week/month I give $______ for the support of the ministry of Emmanuel.

This represents ____% of my income.

In addition week/month/year I give $______ for the support of other ministries.

This represents ____% of my income.

 

Summary

I realize I need to do more. ______

While we could always do more, I believe the Lord finds my commitments and actions in the area of stewardship to be both obedient to His teachings and pleasing to Him.

                                                John Hall