In the black

USA today had an article on how Protestant churches have taken a real hit in giving due to the recession. http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-12-14-1Achurchbucks14_ST_N.htm

I read this article this morning.

Well, Grace is in the black, and the designated funds are where they ought to be. I just thought you should know this, but please know, this isn't bragging. I have had nothing to do with it. Being in the black is due to some wise planning by Brian, Chuck and others who worked hard to make the budget make sense this year. And of course, all good things are ultimately due to the kindness, faithfulness and grace of God. All we have is His. He has been faithful to this church even though we never deserved it. He has been merciful, kind and gracious beyond measure.

Ok, maybe it is bragging. God is great! He loves this church and these people. He has called us to reach this city and the towns around Ann Arbor. Is there a higher and better calling than that? Plus, I love the people I work with. I am sure, eventually, we will all get on each other's nerves just like any family, but I regularly thank God for the people of character and wisdom He has put in place at Grace that I get to be part of.

The Team, The Team, The Team

I listened to Bo Schembechler's speech about the team again today. There is just something about it that resonates. Everyone wants to be part of something bigger than themselves, and his pep-talk captured that. We have just finished our "Spectator Sport" series where basically for 2 months we have been saying... the team, the team, the team. I sure hope we get this concept as a church family.

This last week was one where we looked at Colossians 4 and noticed how Paul said, "Even when you aren't with the other players, you should always be looking to win." I have to remember that being part of this team means always... ALWAYS... looking to draw people around me to Christ. That is the win. This week I have watchfully pray, speak with words seasoned with grace and walk with wisdom toward the people around me.