march 3, 2011
DESCRIPTION
NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
The MESSENGER (USPS 591-280) is published weekly except the week of Christmas by
First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801. Periodical postage
paid at Huntsville, Alabama 31801-5178. POSTMASTER send change of address to THE
MESSENGER, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801.
office: 256-428-9400
weekend minister on call: 256-428-9457
24-hour prayer line: 256-428-9460
The Messengerfbchsv.org
firsT bapTisT hunTsville
this sunday
knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together
First Baptist Church
600 Governors Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801
this sundayFirst thoughts David hull, Pastor
March 6, 2011Transfiguation Sunday
sermon: “seeing With New Eyes”Matthew 17:1-9
First Fellowship - 8:15 a.m.Music from the First Fellowship Band
sunday school - 9:15 a.m.Bible study for all ages
sanctuary Worship - 10:30 a.m.Music from the sanctuary Choir
and the FBC orchestra
the Music Makers Choir will sing
Evening Activities
Foundations for Life Classes
Called Business Meeting at 6:15 inthe Fellowship hall
Ash Wednesday service
March 9, 2011
12:00 Noon in the Chapel
Volume 62 / Week Number 9 / March 3, 2011
Family Matters
WELCOME NEW MEMBERSJ.P. and Shirley ThomasJeannie Lea3109 Waterman Drive SEOwens Cross Roads, AL 35763
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHYJim Preston in the loss of his wife, Barbara Preston.Jean Walker in the loss of her son, Jeff and Barbara Walker in the loss of his brother, Joe Walker, Jr.
Fellowship Club
March 11, 2011Daniel Shea will be speaking on
natural resoures. Menu: Ham, Carrot Souffle, French Style Green Beans, Roll, and Dessert. First time guests
contact Kay Gover at 256-536-8317.
This week, each family will receive generosity cards and a bookmark
with ideas for spreading generosity throughout our
community. Be intentional. Try to “take your everyday, ordinary life –
and place it before God as an offering” by living and giving
generously to those around you. Look for ways to practice generosity
every day.
EArly AdulThood miniSTriESPam mcdaniel, minister to young and median Adults
Retreat . . . a process that gives rhythm to the life of a journeying ChristianRetreat . . . a time to listen, to hear, to share, to receive, to know
Retreat . . . Be still. Know that He is God.
Young Adult Retreat (ages 20s, 30s; married and single adults)
March 11-13Camp Alpine in Mentone, AL
“The Full Life” Bible study facilitated by David HullWorship music facilitated by Jeremy Wilkerson
Cost: $65/person (+ $10 if you want to do the high ropes course)Contact Pam McDaniel ([email protected]; 256.428.9414) if:
You would like to request or contribute scholarship funding.
Young & Median Adult Women Beach RetreatApril 29-May 7
Beach house in Gulf Shores, ALCost: $40 per night (+ optional food costs); you choose the number of nights you stay.
“The Lord Your God is With You” facilitated by….those participating in the retreat
To signup for either retreat, contact the Adult Ministry Office: [email protected]; 256.428.9403
This Sunday night we have a Called Business Meeting to discuss the next steps we will take in the building of our new building. We meet at 6:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall right after Foundations for Life Courses. I hope that you will be able to attend this very important meeting. Here is what you can expect from the meeting and from the days that follow.
I will offer a brief review of the steps that have led us to this point in time. Then Curt Morton, the Building Committee Chair, will update us
on the work of the Building Committee. He will share information about the current state of the building design work and cost estimates related to the project. Bob Broadway, Finance Committee Chair, will give us financial information that the Finance Committee has been working through in recent months. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion so that everyone understands where we are in the design process.
Paul Allison, the Deacon Chair, will then make the two recommenda-tions from the Leadership Council. These were included in a previous Messenger, e-mailed through a church firstnews e-mail, and handed out on Sunday morning. We will discuss the motions so that everyone understands what is being recommended. We will then spend time in prayer asking for God’s guidance for our church. After that we will go home.
On Sunday morning, March 13, we plan to vote with written ballots in both morning services. For those who will not be able to come to church on that day, absentee ballots will be available in the church office beginning on March 7 and will be collected up to the next Sunday. If you are out of town for that entire week, we have made an electronic provision for you to vote with an absentee ballot through our church web site. Please e-mail our Deacon Chair, Paul Allison at [email protected] and he will send you a link that you can use for your electronic absentee ballot. This method of voting is a change from what was announced earlier. The Leadership Council thinks that these changes will make it possible for everyone who wants to vote to be able to cast your vote.
Later, once we receive the bids, we will vote on what we actually plan to build. We need to know the exact costs of the building before we can take that vote. That decision is not for us to make now. Right now we make decisions about the next steps that we need to take. I hope that you will join us for the discussion on March 6 and vote on March 13.
fbchsv.org
ministry calendar
knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together
stuDENt MiNistriEsJamie Mackey, Minister to students
Wednesday Night Dinner MenuWednesday, March 9
Adultssweet and sour Chicken
Fried ricestir Fried Vegetables
Egg roll
saladFried Chicken Salad
(reservations for salad must be turned in by noon on Wednesday.)
stEWArDshiP rEPort
2/27/11
Year-to-Date goal $1,893,780.00
offering
This Week $40,882.14
yTd $1,835,707.19
Debt retirement
This Week $525.00
yTd $27,698.00
Faith Steps to the Future:
This Week $8,212.50
yTd $1,623,555.63
To date: $1,810,034.93
AttENDANCE
sunday schoolPreschool 78
Children 107
Students 113
Adults 641
Brookdale 5
Visitors 32
totAL 976
Worship servicesFirst Fellowship 350
Sanctuary Worship 679
totAL 1029
Library hours sunday 9-9:15 AM | 10:10-10:45 AM | 11:40-12:00 PMtuesday 10:00 AM-12:00 PMWednesday 4:00-5:00 PM
MusiC AND WorshiP Billy orton, Minister of Music and Worship; Elizabeth hostetter, Associate Minister of Music and organist; Jeremy Wilkerson, Contemporary Worship Leader; Amanda Allen, Minister of Children’s Music and Missions
sunday, Mar. 6First Fellowship/Fh 8:15 Am Sunday School 9:15 AmSanctuary Worship/Sanct. 10:30 AmBoy Scouts/309-310 1:00 PmBoy Scouts/343 3:00 Pmhyo Concert/Sanct., Cr 4:00 PmBible drill reh./Chapel 4:00 Pmyouth handbells/329 4:00 PmFoundations/111, 141, Parlor 4:00 Pm 229, 107-108 5:00 Pm Pastor’s Class/Fh 5:00 Pmyouth Choir/Cr 5:00 Pmyouth Snacks/241 6:00 PmCalled Business mtg./Fh 6:15 Pm Monday, Mar. 7letter Writing/ 242 9:00 Amhallelujah Choir/Cr 10:30 AmBSF Classes/Parlor, Chapel, 3rd Floor 5:00 Pmdeacons/118 6:00 Pm10 Great dates/114 6:30 Pm tuesday, Mar. 8Tues. morn. intercess./242 7:00 Am“living Well”/118 9:00 AmBeth moore Bible St./342 9:00 Amministerial Staff mtg/Parlor 9:00 AmGen. Staff mtg/Parlor 10:30 Ammusic Staff/Parlor 1:00 PmGrief Share/ClC 6:00 PmVenture Scouts/342 6:00 PmForum/118 6:30 PmBoy Scout Trp. 70/ 343 6:30 PmAdult handbells/329 7:00 Pm Wednesday, Mar. 9Precept Bible St./342 9:00 AmWriting your life St./118 11:00 AmAsh Wed. Service/Sanct. 12:00 Pmyoung musicians handbells/329 4:15 PmSupper/Fh 4:45 Pmm & m/2nd, 3rd Floors 5:00 PmPrayer meeting./Fh 5:45 Pmy.A. m&m/107 5:45 Pmliftoff/309-310 6:00 Pmorchestra reh./Sanct. 6:00 Pmmissions Comm./242 C 6:30 PmSanctuary Choir/Cr 7:00 Pm thursday, Mar. 10moms in Touch/Parlor 8:00 Amneedlework ministry/107/108 12:00 Pmneedlework/107-108 12:00 PmFirst Fellowship Band/Fh 6:30 PmClarion Winds/242 7:30 Pm Friday, Mar. 11BSF leaders/Parlor 4:30 AmmoPS Steering Comm./libr. 9:00 AmFellowship Club/Fh 10:00 Am March 11-13: younG AdulT rETrEAT/oFF CAmPuS
Ash Wednesday WorshipMarch 9, 2011
12 Noon in the ChapelAsh Wednesday begins the Season of Lent. These days ahead are opportunities for repentance and renewal for us and fellow believers around the world.
First Baptist will offer a special service of worship this year on Ash Wednesday. This mid-day gathering in the Chapel, lasting between 30-45 minutes, will include music, meditation, a word from our pastor, and theoptional imposition of ashes.
The purpose of Ash Wednesday worship is to focus upon Jesus Christ and the meaning of his life and death and resurrection for us. The service will offer us the opportunity to meditate upon our own mortality, to confess our sinfulness and need of a savior, and to renew our daily commitment to Christ. We will also be led to remember with confidence and thanksgiving the fact that Christ conquered sin and death.
We approach the Lenten season with great anticipation. We know it will lead us to the joyful triumph of Easter! PrEsChooL MiNistriEs
Joy Moore, Minister to Preschool
Three Ideas for Good Communication
Learn How to StartThe way you present an issue often determines the response. Sometimes it’s best to ad-dress a problem immediately, while other times waiting a few hours is more appropriate. Wisely choose a time, place, and approach with the goal of not just rebuking, but correcting, and finding resolution. "Lisa, I'd like to talk about the way you treated me earlier. Is now a good time or should we talk after dinner?"
Learn When to StopOnce a dialogue has developed, have discernment to know when to stop. Some parents feel like they must win an argument or come to resolution by the end of the conversation so they end up pushing too hard. Other times emotions get too involved. Still other parents end a simple correction with preaching, bringing up the past, or making exaggerated statements about the offense. In any case, it’s important for parents to know when to take a break or simply stop the conversation. "I think we better stop here. Things are getting pretty tense. We need to continue this conversation, but let's take a break for now. Maybe we'll think of some other ideas in the meantime to help resolve this problem."
Learn How to ListenConflict represents opportunity. Children watch parents handle conflict and observe how they resolve differences. Listening and affirming a young person’s thinking is an honor-ing step in conflict management. “I understand you'd discipline your sister differently. Your ideas make sense. At this point, I have to make the decision and I’m going to emphasize something different, but I appreciate your ideas.” Affirming or validating a child's thinking or reasoning is helpful for their development.
As you dialogue with your kids, you must learn to tolerate criticism. Many discussions you have will open the door for your teen to criticize you. Don't feel threatened or take these jabs personally. Use them to discuss issues and explain your decisions. If you can be transparent enough to use yourself as an example, your children will learn much more about life.
This parenting tip is taken from the book, Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, In You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. It's a book about honor and talks about how we treat one another inside and outside the family. For more information, go to www.biblicalparenting.org
Opportunity for Service
We need volunteers to help set up for the Lord’s Supper Services. This requires four early morning setups (7:15 a.m.), and two or
three special services, plus clean up. You would not be required to assist each time. If you can help, please contact Edna
A Prism of PraiseA very unique presentation awaits us all this month! This service will be on Sunday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m. Numerous FBC groups will each perform one selection, with each piece segueing immediately into the next, and with performers at various places throughout our Sanctuary.
Performing groups include:FBC Orchestra, Youth Choir, Adult Handbell Choir, Hallelujah Choir, Clarion Winds, Young Musicians, Youth Band, Young Musicians Handbell Choir, The Bluegrass Band, Vocal Ensemble from the choir, Music Makers Choirs, the FBC Men’s Ensemble, Youth Hand-bell Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, First Fellowship Band, and combined groups (on final selection).
Dress rehearsal for logistics and some music run through will be WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 AT 5:30 P.M. for those involved.
Sign up in the Church Office or online at www.fbchsv.org/springcamp & www.fbchsv.org/chicago
Questions? Email [email protected] or call 256-428-9406
When: April 9-13Where: Laguna Beach Christian RetreatWho: Students & Friend, grades 7-12Cost: $190 per student (multi-family discount - deduct $20 per additional student). After March 27, cost is $240. If cost is a problem, talk to Jamie before March 27.
When: June 4-11Lodging: 2 nights in host homes in Monticello, Illinois. 4 nights in the Hosteling International-Chicago. www.hichicago.orgMinistry Venues: Shriners Hospital for Children, Meal for the poor, ministry warehouse, Pacific Garden Mission for the homeless, Chicago Urban Farm, and more!Cost: $400. Payment plan-$100 with registration due April 1, $150 due May 1, $150 due June 1.
fbchsv.org
ministry calendar
knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together
stuDENt MiNistriEsJamie Mackey, Minister to students
Wednesday Night Dinner MenuWednesday, March 9
Adultssweet and sour Chicken
Fried ricestir Fried Vegetables
Egg roll
saladFried Chicken Salad
(reservations for salad must be turned in by noon on Wednesday.)
stEWArDshiP rEPort
2/27/11
Year-to-Date goal $1,893,780.00
offering
This Week $40,882.14
yTd $1,835,707.19
Debt retirement
This Week $525.00
yTd $27,698.00
Faith Steps to the Future:
This Week $8,212.50
yTd $1,623,555.63
To date: $1,810,034.93
AttENDANCE
sunday schoolPreschool 78
Children 107
Students 113
Adults 641
Brookdale 5
Visitors 32
totAL 976
Worship servicesFirst Fellowship 350
Sanctuary Worship 679
totAL 1029
Library hours sunday 9-9:15 AM | 10:10-10:45 AM | 11:40-12:00 PMtuesday 10:00 AM-12:00 PMWednesday 4:00-5:00 PM
MusiC AND WorshiP Billy orton, Minister of Music and Worship; Elizabeth hostetter, Associate Minister of Music and organist; Jeremy Wilkerson, Contemporary Worship Leader; Amanda Allen, Minister of Children’s Music and Missions
sunday, Mar. 6First Fellowship/Fh 8:15 Am Sunday School 9:15 AmSanctuary Worship/Sanct. 10:30 AmBoy Scouts/309-310 1:00 PmBoy Scouts/343 3:00 Pmhyo Concert/Sanct., Cr 4:00 PmBible drill reh./Chapel 4:00 Pmyouth handbells/329 4:00 PmFoundations/111, 141, Parlor 4:00 Pm 229, 107-108 5:00 Pm Pastor’s Class/Fh 5:00 Pmyouth Choir/Cr 5:00 Pmyouth Snacks/241 6:00 PmCalled Business mtg./Fh 6:15 Pm Monday, Mar. 7letter Writing/ 242 9:00 Amhallelujah Choir/Cr 10:30 AmBSF Classes/Parlor, Chapel, 3rd Floor 5:00 Pmdeacons/118 6:00 Pm10 Great dates/114 6:30 Pm tuesday, Mar. 8Tues. morn. intercess./242 7:00 Am“living Well”/118 9:00 AmBeth moore Bible St./342 9:00 Amministerial Staff mtg/Parlor 9:00 AmGen. Staff mtg/Parlor 10:30 Ammusic Staff/Parlor 1:00 PmGrief Share/ClC 6:00 PmVenture Scouts/342 6:00 PmForum/118 6:30 PmBoy Scout Trp. 70/ 343 6:30 PmAdult handbells/329 7:00 Pm Wednesday, Mar. 9Precept Bible St./342 9:00 AmWriting your life St./118 11:00 AmAsh Wed. Service/Sanct. 12:00 Pmyoung musicians handbells/329 4:15 PmSupper/Fh 4:45 Pmm & m/2nd, 3rd Floors 5:00 PmPrayer meeting./Fh 5:45 Pmy.A. m&m/107 5:45 Pmliftoff/309-310 6:00 Pmorchestra reh./Sanct. 6:00 Pmmissions Comm./242 C 6:30 PmSanctuary Choir/Cr 7:00 Pm thursday, Mar. 10moms in Touch/Parlor 8:00 Amneedlework ministry/107/108 12:00 Pmneedlework/107-108 12:00 PmFirst Fellowship Band/Fh 6:30 PmClarion Winds/242 7:30 Pm Friday, Mar. 11BSF leaders/Parlor 4:30 AmmoPS Steering Comm./libr. 9:00 AmFellowship Club/Fh 10:00 Am March 11-13: younG AdulT rETrEAT/oFF CAmPuS
Ash Wednesday WorshipMarch 9, 2011
12 Noon in the ChapelAsh Wednesday begins the Season of Lent. These days ahead are opportunities for repentance and renewal for us and fellow believers around the world.
First Baptist will offer a special service of worship this year on Ash Wednesday. This mid-day gathering in the Chapel, lasting between 30-45 minutes, will include music, meditation, a word from our pastor, and theoptional imposition of ashes.
The purpose of Ash Wednesday worship is to focus upon Jesus Christ and the meaning of his life and death and resurrection for us. The service will offer us the opportunity to meditate upon our own mortality, to confess our sinfulness and need of a savior, and to renew our daily commitment to Christ. We will also be led to remember with confidence and thanksgiving the fact that Christ conquered sin and death.
We approach the Lenten season with great anticipation. We know it will lead us to the joyful triumph of Easter! PrEsChooL MiNistriEs
Joy Moore, Minister to Preschool
Three Ideas for Good Communication
Learn How to StartThe way you present an issue often determines the response. Sometimes it’s best to ad-dress a problem immediately, while other times waiting a few hours is more appropriate. Wisely choose a time, place, and approach with the goal of not just rebuking, but correcting, and finding resolution. "Lisa, I'd like to talk about the way you treated me earlier. Is now a good time or should we talk after dinner?"
Learn When to StopOnce a dialogue has developed, have discernment to know when to stop. Some parents feel like they must win an argument or come to resolution by the end of the conversation so they end up pushing too hard. Other times emotions get too involved. Still other parents end a simple correction with preaching, bringing up the past, or making exaggerated statements about the offense. In any case, it’s important for parents to know when to take a break or simply stop the conversation. "I think we better stop here. Things are getting pretty tense. We need to continue this conversation, but let's take a break for now. Maybe we'll think of some other ideas in the meantime to help resolve this problem."
Learn How to ListenConflict represents opportunity. Children watch parents handle conflict and observe how they resolve differences. Listening and affirming a young person’s thinking is an honor-ing step in conflict management. “I understand you'd discipline your sister differently. Your ideas make sense. At this point, I have to make the decision and I’m going to emphasize something different, but I appreciate your ideas.” Affirming or validating a child's thinking or reasoning is helpful for their development.
As you dialogue with your kids, you must learn to tolerate criticism. Many discussions you have will open the door for your teen to criticize you. Don't feel threatened or take these jabs personally. Use them to discuss issues and explain your decisions. If you can be transparent enough to use yourself as an example, your children will learn much more about life.
This parenting tip is taken from the book, Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes, In You and Your Kids by Dr Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, RN, BSN. It's a book about honor and talks about how we treat one another inside and outside the family. For more information, go to www.biblicalparenting.org
Opportunity for Service
We need volunteers to help set up for the Lord’s Supper Services. This requires four early morning setups (7:15 a.m.), and two or
three special services, plus clean up. You would not be required to assist each time. If you can help, please contact Edna
A Prism of PraiseA very unique presentation awaits us all this month! This service will be on Sunday, March 20 at 5:00 p.m. Numerous FBC groups will each perform one selection, with each piece segueing immediately into the next, and with performers at various places throughout our Sanctuary.
Performing groups include:FBC Orchestra, Youth Choir, Adult Handbell Choir, Hallelujah Choir, Clarion Winds, Young Musicians, Youth Band, Young Musicians Handbell Choir, The Bluegrass Band, Vocal Ensemble from the choir, Music Makers Choirs, the FBC Men’s Ensemble, Youth Hand-bell Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Saxophone Ensemble, First Fellowship Band, and combined groups (on final selection).
Dress rehearsal for logistics and some music run through will be WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 AT 5:30 P.M. for those involved.
Sign up in the Church Office or online at www.fbchsv.org/springcamp & www.fbchsv.org/chicago
Questions? Email [email protected] or call 256-428-9406
When: April 9-13Where: Laguna Beach Christian RetreatWho: Students & Friend, grades 7-12Cost: $190 per student (multi-family discount - deduct $20 per additional student). After March 27, cost is $240. If cost is a problem, talk to Jamie before March 27.
When: June 4-11Lodging: 2 nights in host homes in Monticello, Illinois. 4 nights in the Hosteling International-Chicago. www.hichicago.orgMinistry Venues: Shriners Hospital for Children, Meal for the poor, ministry warehouse, Pacific Garden Mission for the homeless, Chicago Urban Farm, and more!Cost: $400. Payment plan-$100 with registration due April 1, $150 due May 1, $150 due June 1.
The MESSENGER (USPS 591-280) is published weekly except the week of Christmas by
First Baptist Church, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801. Periodical postage
paid at Huntsville, Alabama 31801-5178. POSTMASTER send change of address to THE
MESSENGER, 600 Governors Drive, Huntsville, AL 35801.
office: 256-428-9400
weekend minister on call: 256-428-9457
24-hour prayer line: 256-428-9460
The Messengerfbchsv.org
firsT bapTisT hunTsville
this sunday
knowing, lov ing, serv ing Christ...together
First Baptist Church
600 Governors Drive
Huntsville, AL 35801
this sundayFirst thoughts David hull, Pastor
March 6, 2011Transfiguation Sunday
sermon: “seeing With New Eyes”Matthew 17:1-9
First Fellowship - 8:15 a.m.Music from the First Fellowship Band
sunday school - 9:15 a.m.Bible study for all ages
sanctuary Worship - 10:30 a.m.Music from the sanctuary Choir
and the FBC orchestra
the Music Makers Choir will sing
Evening Activities
Foundations for Life Classes
Called Business Meeting at 6:15 inthe Fellowship hall
Ash Wednesday service
March 9, 2011
12:00 Noon in the Chapel
Volume 62 / Week Number 9 / March 3, 2011
Family Matters
WELCOME NEW MEMBERSJ.P. and Shirley ThomasJeannie Lea3109 Waterman Drive SEOwens Cross Roads, AL 35763
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHYJim Preston in the loss of his wife, Barbara Preston.Jean Walker in the loss of her son, Jeff and Barbara Walker in the loss of his brother, Joe Walker, Jr.
Fellowship Club
March 11, 2011Daniel Shea will be speaking on
natural resoures. Menu: Ham, Carrot Souffle, French Style Green Beans, Roll, and Dessert. First time guests
contact Kay Gover at 256-536-8317.
This week, each family will receive generosity cards and a bookmark
with ideas for spreading generosity throughout our
community. Be intentional. Try to “take your everyday, ordinary life –
and place it before God as an offering” by living and giving
generously to those around you. Look for ways to practice generosity
every day.
EArly AdulThood miniSTriESPam mcdaniel, minister to young and median Adults
Retreat . . . a process that gives rhythm to the life of a journeying ChristianRetreat . . . a time to listen, to hear, to share, to receive, to know
Retreat . . . Be still. Know that He is God.
Young Adult Retreat (ages 20s, 30s; married and single adults)
March 11-13Camp Alpine in Mentone, AL
“The Full Life” Bible study facilitated by David HullWorship music facilitated by Jeremy Wilkerson
Cost: $65/person (+ $10 if you want to do the high ropes course)Contact Pam McDaniel ([email protected]; 256.428.9414) if:
You would like to request or contribute scholarship funding.
Young & Median Adult Women Beach RetreatApril 29-May 7
Beach house in Gulf Shores, ALCost: $40 per night (+ optional food costs); you choose the number of nights you stay.
“The Lord Your God is With You” facilitated by….those participating in the retreat
To signup for either retreat, contact the Adult Ministry Office: [email protected]; 256.428.9403
This Sunday night we have a Called Business Meeting to discuss the next steps we will take in the building of our new building. We meet at 6:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall right after Foundations for Life Courses. I hope that you will be able to attend this very important meeting. Here is what you can expect from the meeting and from the days that follow.
I will offer a brief review of the steps that have led us to this point in time. Then Curt Morton, the Building Committee Chair, will update us
on the work of the Building Committee. He will share information about the current state of the building design work and cost estimates related to the project. Bob Broadway, Finance Committee Chair, will give us financial information that the Finance Committee has been working through in recent months. There will be opportunities for questions and discussion so that everyone understands where we are in the design process.
Paul Allison, the Deacon Chair, will then make the two recommenda-tions from the Leadership Council. These were included in a previous Messenger, e-mailed through a church firstnews e-mail, and handed out on Sunday morning. We will discuss the motions so that everyone understands what is being recommended. We will then spend time in prayer asking for God’s guidance for our church. After that we will go home.
On Sunday morning, March 13, we plan to vote with written ballots in both morning services. For those who will not be able to come to church on that day, absentee ballots will be available in the church office beginning on March 7 and will be collected up to the next Sunday. If you are out of town for that entire week, we have made an electronic provision for you to vote with an absentee ballot through our church web site. Please e-mail our Deacon Chair, Paul Allison at [email protected] and he will send you a link that you can use for your electronic absentee ballot. This method of voting is a change from what was announced earlier. The Leadership Council thinks that these changes will make it possible for everyone who wants to vote to be able to cast your vote.
Later, once we receive the bids, we will vote on what we actually plan to build. We need to know the exact costs of the building before we can take that vote. That decision is not for us to make now. Right now we make decisions about the next steps that we need to take. I hope that you will join us for the discussion on March 6 and vote on March 13.