Congregational Meeting
July 30, 2006

 

  1. Prayer & Introduction: Jimmy Frasier

The Elders have reserved each 5th Sunday of the month to report on the work of this congregation and the needs of this congregation.  Jimmy reemphasized the "open door" or "no secrets" policy that the Elders have in this regard.

Jimmy explained that it is the Elders' responsibility to:
- shepherd the church of God (Acts 20:28).
- shepherd the flock of God...exercising oversight (1 Peter 5:2). 
- keep watch over our souls as those who will give an account (Hebrews 13:17).

Jimmy also mentioned Galatians 6, and how this scripture speaks of restoring a brother, bearing one another's burdens, sharing with the one who has taught you the word, and doing good to all people, especially those of the household of the faith.

On behalf of the Elders, Jimmy reported that it appears Cherry West has moved to Memphis, TN, to live with a relative, and Joan Johnson has decided not to return to the assembly.  Jimmy also stated that Cindy Anderson & Darlene Stahl need encouragement, and he stated that all members of the congregation can offer encouragement in accordance with Galatians 6.  We should not assume that encouragement should come from the Elders alone.

  1. Financial Progress: David Coleman

As the graph above reflects, David stated that we met or exceeded our $3,600 weekly contribution budget only 7 out of the first 30 weeks of the current year, and 5 of those weeks were in the first quarter.  The average contribution for the first 30 weeks was $3,404, which is $196 shy of our weekly budget.  David stated that giving traditionally picks up during the Fall, but we need to plan for steady giving throughout the year.

When faced with this kind of shortfall, the Elders are concerned about costs that can't be controlled versus what can be controlled.  For example, building & grounds, specifically utilities, is an area of concern caused by the shortfall.  Only $555 of a $5,000 gas budget remains for the rest of the year.

David stated that several of the goals presented in the 5-Year Plan are contingent upon available funding, including:

  • A call-in radio program

  • Increased support for foreign evangelists (currently provide partial support for an evangelist in Russia)

  • Establishment of a maintenance reserve

Support of a second local evangelist is also contingent upon available funding, as is a strategy of regular or concentrated advertising to our community.

The budget performance report, for the quarter which ended June 30th, is available for review.  David stated that the Elders would be happy to answer any questions concerning the report.

  1. Our Spiritual Heritage: Mark Jones

    Mark stated that we are 5 weeks away from implementing the new curriculum, "Our Spiritual Heritage."  The materials for the 1st quarter are ready, but there is still much work to be done to complete all the materials for this 4-year program.  Our thanks to Bill Ray who has been painting the classrooms in preparation for the "When Wall," the "Who Wall," and the "Where Wall," examples of which are depicted in the images below.
     



    The When Wall provides a
    visual chronology of events.
     
    The Who Wall provides a
    visual Bible character reference.
     
    The Where Wall provides a
    visual geographic reference.
     
  1. Education Committee: Steve Garrett

Steve stated that the goal of the Education Committee is taken from Colossians 1:28.  The Bible Class Program of the Franklin Church of Christ is to provide unified direction to the various teaching works of the congregation, so that each person in the body is being admonished and taught with all wisdom in order to present everyone complete in Christ.
 

Identifying the Target

Implement the Goals of the
Bible Class Program by:

- Development of Program Objectives
- Selection and Approval of
   Bible Curriculum
- Selection of Teachers and Helpers
- Oversight of Program Objectives

   Staying on Target

Improving our
Bible Class Program by:

- Training of Teachers and Helpers
- Provision of Adequate Facilities
   and Equipment
- Regular Evaluations of Bible Class
   Needs
- Communicating with Elders, Parents,
   & Congregation

Steve listed the following individuals who have agreed to serve on the Education Committee:

Mark Jones.....Children's Classes (Nursery - 5th Grade)
Steve Garrett.....Youth Classes (Grades 6 - 12)
Edwin Crozier.....Adult Classes
Jeanne Parham & Brenda Wells.....Teacher Support
Martha Adams.....Resources Support
Bill Ray.....Facilities Support
Don Adair.....Elders' Representative
Bob & Evelyn Garrett.....Publicity
Wiley Deason.....Vacation Bible School

Steve announced the dates and theme for Vacation Bible School 2007.

 

  1. Evangelism Report: Edwin Crozier

  1. Guest Evangelism - Edwin stated that we are 5 months into the Guest Evangelism Program, and except for some issues with the database system, all seems to be going well.  With 1 month left in the 6-month commitment for our current roles, Edwin encouraged the members to sign up for new guest evangelism roles that will begin in September.  Edwin announced that a Guest Evangelism Training Meeting would be conducted Sunday, August 20th, at 4:00 pm to prepare us for the transition to our new roles.
     

  2. Gospel Meeting - Dee Bowman will be with us August 6-9 for a Gospel meeting on the topic of "The Christian and Today's Culture."  Fourth graders and up will join the adults for the Bible class hour in the auditorium.  Invite your friends and neighbors to take advantage of this learning opportunity.
     
    Other upcoming Gospel Meetings include:
    April 2007 - Andrew Roberts speaking on the theme of "Islam"
    April 2008 - Mike Waters speaking on the theme of "Angels"
     

  3. 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.
     

  4. Bible Classes - Edwin announced the Bible classes which will be offered in the quarter which begins September 1st.  He will be teaching the auditorium class on the book of Acts, which wraps up a 2-year study of God's people.  Dan King will be leading a study of the Gospel of John in Room 11, and Sue Claytor will be teaching the ladies' class in Room 10 as they continue their study of Hebrews.

  1. Concluding Remarks: Phil Barnes

Phil stated that 11 families demonstrating amazing spiritual talent have placed membership in the past year.  While referring to Romans 12:4-8, he stated that of those 28 new bodies, 8 are men that have already served in a preaching and/or teaching role, 6 are women that have already served in a teaching role, and 3 are men that have already served in a song leading role, and still others are already serving on various committees.

Phil encouraged the members to continue building each other up, edifying one another, and converting the lost.
 

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