I recently met with our Budget and Finance Committee to review our progress on the 2009 budget for Antioch. We are continuing a trend that has been going on for much too long a time now. Each month we are spending more on our ministries and operating budget than the gifts we are receiving. At the start of 2009 we had approximately $ 28,000.00 in the reserve. Today we have approximately $20,000.00. In four months we have spent approximately eight thousand dollars of our reserve. If we continue this trend we will soon be operating on week to week, cash in, cash out basis. The question around the table for the Finance Committee was; what do we do?

We chose to take a positive approach to this problem. We know that everyone who makes up the church at Antioch loves God and loves this church. Every one of us wants to see our church grow and continue the quality of ministry and worship that we experience each week. So here is our plan. Beginning this Sunday, May 3rd and for the rest of the year we will be in a campaign to get us “Back in the Black.” The goal we have set is to have all our commitments funded and to have the same reserve at the end of 2009 as we did at the start. It is important that we have the same mind and enthusiasm to get Antioch back in the right direction. To help us be in unity in this campaign will have several special events as we go along to help us reach our goal. In mid May we will have a fellowship lunch following a worship service to allow us to visit, eat, and talk about ways to reach our goal. Each month or two we will plan some special event to help us stay united toward the common goal of moving our church forward.

There is another thing that needs to happen at Antioch. Our pews are far too empty on Sunday mornings. As your pastor, I want to challenge all of us to make every effort and even go that extra mile to be in church every week. We are nearing vacation season and most of us, including me are planning some time away. Pease enjoy your vacations, but when you are back be sure to reconnect with us in worship. All of us have friends and family who are not going to church anywhere. May I suggest that you visit or call them to invite them to join you on your pew this Sunday?

Finally my brothers and sisters, I want to acknowledge that we are living in very difficult economic times. Your gifts to Antioch are personal and private. What you do in support of Antioch must be between you and God. So please pray for God to guide you and then follow as God leads. Thank you for being faithful.