by John Sproul 

Dear ones,

The concept of “knowing what’s going on” has become much more important during this season. Knowing what’s going on with the financial status of our congregation is important to many of us. So… 

(…and if you clicked to find out if I was going to reference The Grateful Dead somehow, sorry, I’m not. If you have no idea who/what The Grateful Dead were, that’s fine. Keeping reading…) 

I invite you to gratitude because… 

  • Those of our people who have the ability to be generous right now are being just that, and our congregation is financially stable. 
  • Our financials look different week to week, because our expenses vary considerably week to week, but overall, gratitude to the Lord is very appropriate! 
  • If you’re not able to give financially as you have in the past, there are many alternative ways to be gratefully generous right now; for instance, Hope Clinic and Compassion Ministry of Milan (both ministries have a Facebook page for more info) need donations of food and physical presence. Be grateful there!  

I invite you to hope because… 

  • Our leaders in the SLC and our staff are composing our Ministry Plans and the budget to support them for this coming fiscal year. People without hope don’t make plans. So, we are, because our hope is in the One who hasn’t put ministry on hold. 
  • We have funds in an account called the “Agape Fund” which have been designated for use when members of our congregation are struggling financially. Some of you know those people whose businesses are struggling, who are without work, furloughed…and some of you ARE those people. Please connect with me or Pastor Matt to talk about how we might help financially. It is an anonymous thing; the only people who will know are your pastors and the person writing the check, who is a trusted person indeed. We have hope. Come receive it. 

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13 

Gratefully, and hoping with you,
Pastor John