STEVE WIPER, BOARD OF DEACONS CHAIR
It is humbling to serve in a role that was instituted by the New Testament church 2,000 years ago. While the first deacons may not have been tasked with planning for sanctuary technology repairs and upgrades, the present Board of Deacons very much follows the New Testament template. We seek to exemplify servant leadership—in coming alongside congregants to assist with moves and small projects; in prioritizing and funding initiatives to maintain and improve our facilities; in ensuring integrity in our financial processes; in assisting with distribution of the communion elements; and in assisting with the distribution of the Care and Share funds to those in the church community who find themselves in need.
and improved parking for elderly congregants, attendees with disabilities and visitors. The deacons, church staff and elders poured hours of prayerful research and planning into this budget, submitted in this Annual Report. It is not based on a human hope, but a hope rooted in God’s promises; while we do not know what the future holds, we know who holds the future. Please pray for the deacons as we discuss, plan and execute initiatives throughout the year, seeking to bring glory to God by furthering the ministry goals of his church.
One of our greatest joys is working closely with the dedicated church staff, lay leaders, volunteers and other boards and committees in an array of domains that directly impact on all ministry areas within the church and beyond. For example, we have long sought to provide biblically based, practical financial education to families within the church. We are pleased that such a class has come to fruition and has been well received by those attending. In addition, the deacons helped guide the structure for congregants to access external, biblically based personal counseling resources on-site. As we count the offering each week and track giving throughout the year, this front row seat allows us a clear view of God’s great provision to and through the College Church congregation. Our collective giving and God’s blessing has allowed College Church to expand its reach in our local community as well as in communities all over the world. Over and above our planned ministry and missions needs, God has blessed the Strengthening Foundations capital campaign, enabling College Church to purchase the last two adjacent properties on Seminary Avenue, clear all the debt on those properties, and prepare for more effective use of that land for expanded
CO UNCIL, B OARDS AND CO MM ITTEES
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