Congregational Meeting
May 7, 2006

1. Introduction & Prayer: Ron Adams

The Elders have reserved each 5th Sunday of the month to report on the work being accomplished by this congregation.

2. Finances: David Coleman

   The budget performance report, for the quarter which ended March 31st, reflects that we fell short of our contribution budget by $1,065, and we exceeded our expense budget by $822, for a combined budget variance of $1,887.  We should have no problem meeting our budget if our giving picks up for the remainder of the year.

   The Elders have identified the following areas which need improvement:

1. Foreign Evangelism - Currently, we support only one foreign evangelist, Igor Sterjantinkov in Russia.
    
   It is very disappointing to turn down so many requests for support that continue to come in from missionaries who are working full-time to spread the Gospel.  There simply isn't enough funds available for us to offer any assistance.  Please consider increasing your giving so that funds may become available for this very important purpose.
    

2. Capital Improvement - Our thanks to Steve Garrett who managed the recent parking lot resurfacing project.  
    
   Funding will be required soon for other major repairs & maintenance, including a new roof and carpeting.  Once again, achieving our contributions goal will allow us to address these concerns on a timely basis.

3. Education: Mark Jones

   Psalm 71:18  Our job is to make sure that our children do not starve spiritually.  
    
   All the ladies of the congregation are encouraged to attend the upcoming workshop taught by Nancy Tumlinson, "Declaring God to the Next Generation."  Nancy will present "Declaring God: Why, Who, and How" on Friday night, May 26th, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  On Saturday morning, May 27th, Nancy will present "Telling the Story: How to Tell the Story of the Bible to Children" from 9:30 to 11:30 am, and then, after a lunch break, she will present "Praising God: Seeing and Saying Good about God" Saturday afternoon from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

1. Bible Class Curriculum - On September 1st, we will be implementing the Bible class curriculum developed by Nancy Tumlinson, "Our Spiritual Heritage"  This curriculum is targeted for our children ages Kindergarten through 6th grade.

   As discussed in our last congregational meeting, this material is designed to teach children that:

1. God is wonderfully wise.

2. God has great plans for us.

3. The world around us shows God's wisdom and power.

4. The Bible demonstrates that God is the hero of history.  God is great and God is good.

5. We bring glory to God by learning about His plans for us and by living according to His plans.

6. We can learn to praise God in Bible class and at home as a family.

   This curriculum presents Bible stories through the investigation method of when, who, what, why and where.
    

1. When:  A chronological outline of the Bible story is learned through Heading cards that divide the Bible into 9 historical time periods, 1) Before the world began, God made a great plan, 2) First Fathers, 3) Moses, 4) Joshua and Judges, 5) Kings, 6) Homesick Heroes, 7) Home Again Heroes, 8) Christ: God's Great Plan, and 9) I build on God's plan.  Every Bible story is learned in the context of time, the "big" picture, and how that person is part of God's plan for us.  God is always shown to be the hero of every story!

2. Who:  The student learns to place Bible heroes in the proper time period through the study of many faith-building themed units such as God is Wise or stories of Light and Water.

3. What and Why:  From these unit studies the student also learns to match Bible story facts to the Bible heroes.

4. Where in the World and Where in the Bible:  Every lesson is taught emphasizing its geographic location.  The student learns to locate key locations on maps of Bible lands.  Seeing pictures of the Bible lands brings the stories to life and shows the students that we are talking about real people who lived in real places that can be visited today.  The children will also learn to correlate the books of the Bible to the historical time periods.

   There are some things that are different about this curriculum than other methods.  For this curriculum to be effective, the teachers, students and parents must be partners.
    

1. The teachers will make extensive preparations so the class time will be profitable.  This study is very visual and hands on.  The teachers may need help with classroom set up, lesson duplication, bulletin boards and preparation of visuals.  Everyone can be involved in assisting the teachers.

2. The students need to attend class regularly, be punctual, bring their Bibles and materials to class each time, and study the lessons at home.

3. A key ingredient of this program is the parent/child activities that will come home in the student notebook each week.  Notice the sheets say Parent and Child Activity!  These sheets include the story, scripture worksheets, activities, and a prayer suggestion sheet.  These tools promote family Bible study and prayer throughout the week.  Parent involvement is essential to the growth of the student.

2. Quarter Shift - This year's July quarter will be a short quarter consisting only of the months of July & August.  Beginning September 1st, quarters will begin September, December, March, and June.

3. Vacation Bible School - In light of the time commitments that will be necessary to implement the new Bible class curriculum and with another Gospel meeting coming up, the Elders have decided to postpone this year's Vacation Bible School to next year.

4. Gospel Meeting & Fall Focus: Edwin Crozier

1. Gospel Meeting - Dee Bowman will be with us for a Gospel meeting, tentatively scheduled for August, on the topic of "Issues with the Family."  Invite your friends and neighbors to take advantage of this learning opportunity.  Exact dates and times will be announced at a later date.
    

2. Fall Focus - The topic of our 3rd Annual Fall Focus is "The Sermon on the Mount."  Edwin and several guest speakers, including Andrew Roberts, Mike Waters, Robert Davenport, and Shawn Bain, will be presenting lessons on Jesus' exemplary teaching contained in this great sermon.  Invite all your friends and neighbors to be our guest for this series of lessons on God's Kingdom, which will run from October 1st - November 5th.
    
   Edwin needs volunteers to host the weekly Fall Focus group meetings in their homes and also volunteers to lead the group discussions.  Please let Edwin know of your willingness to serve in either of these capacities.

Edwin concluded his report with an apology to the congregation.   During a recent sermon, he asked that the song books be closed so that he could make his final points with as little distraction as possible.  Edwin apologized to those who were offended in any way by his remarks.
 
Edwin explained the important transition between the sermon and the invitation to obey the Gospel, and how his approach to the transition focuses on the needs of our guests.  He has asked that the members refrain from distracting behavior, which typically begins with the closing of Bibles and the opening of song books, to ensure that our guests remain attentive.  Our guests often take their cue from the members on what is acceptable behavior during this transition, which is why Edwin believes that it is so important for the members to remain attentive.  This may be our guests' only opportunity to hear God's plan of salvation.  Let's do what we can to make sure they hear it.

5. Mission News & Family News: Phil Barnes

Phil prefaced his report by commenting on our recent Gospel meeting and the upcoming workshop.  Max Dawson presented an excellent series of lessons on the theme, "Studies about the Holy Spirit."  Much was learned from the study, and all who attended appeared to have benefited tremendously.  He also encouraged all the ladies to attend the upcoming workshop presented by Nancy Tumlinson, even if only to be an encouragement to those who have committed to participate in the program as teachers.

1. Report from India - Ed Harrell reports that the work is going well in India.  There are several photos posted of buildings that were made possible by donations from our members.  
    
   Ed also reports that his costs are going up due to the increased presence of western business enterprises.  Please contact the Elders if you are interested in supporting the work in India.  An entire building can still be constructed in India for $1,500 - $2,000. 
    

2. Family News - The Elders have asked that we remember the Cook family in our prayers as they are going through an extremely difficult time.  Don Adair led a special prayer on their behalf.
    

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