Dear Ones,
There is much on our horizon.
Staffing updates
Pastor Danielle has submitted her resignation. Fortunately, she will stay involved in the confirmation program and the afternoon children's ministry. Pastor Danielle has done everything we have expected of her faithfully. Unfortunately, Sunday Schools are not as successful in the 2020's as they were in the 1980's. I sincerely appreciate all that she has done and would gladly keep her in the position. But we all need to accept that she feels underutilized. On February 1st , we will have a coffee hour to express our gratitude and gather gifts to celebrate her time with us. Please be on the lookout for further information from Barbara Bishop and the Staff Parish Relations Committee.
The Staff Parish Relations Committee is busy gathering resumes and interviewing potential candidates for the Administrative Assistant position. Hopefully, we will have the position filled soon.
Shifting Patterns
As I compiled our annual statistics, I would like to comment on two significant shifts: attendance and giving. Our Worship attendance remained remarkably stable. In 2024, we averaged 68 people in person and 64 online, for a total of 132. In 2025, we averaged 65 people in person and 71 online, for a total of 136. We have a 3% increase in attendance. On the July 4th weekend, we had 45 people in person and 114 online, for a total of 159. On the Sunday before Christmas, we had 100 people in person and 42 online, for a total of 142.
Giving patterns have shifted slightly as well. We seem to be getting more of our financial support from larger gifts, typically made in January and December, resulting in an uneven but predictable cash flow. My recollection of 2025 is that we had larger surpluses from January through May and deficits from June through November. We are still awaiting final reports for December. I am reasonably confident that we will meet all our obligations and end the year well.
If these shifting patterns cause you discomfort, you are not alone. The only person who wants change is a wet baby, and they usually cry through the process.
Worship This Sunday
This weekend, we will dive into the first half of the Gospel of John. We will celebrate the great truth that Jesus has come to give us life. This life is not defined as earthly success but by the spiritual vitality that Christ inspires!
Grace and peace
Peter
