A Note from Pastor Dave…

February 1, 2012 by Pastor Dave Scifres

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

(Romans 10:14-15 NIV)

One of my favorite T-shirts is a knock-off of those billboards that you see around that are completely black with a short “message from God” written in white letters.  The message on my T-shirt is this:  “That love thy neighbor thing… I meant that – God”

For me, this is a reminder that we serve an awesome God who was in the beginning in mission to us and the entire world through creation, and through the redemption of Jesus Christ our Lord.  For me, it is also a reminder that as the Body of Christ, the Church is to continue to serve God’s purposes in that redemptive mission in the world today.  Finally for me, it is a reminder that all of those who are individual members of the Body of Christ are called to be “missional” people, committed to the mission of making disciples, loving God, and loving neighbor.

This is the purpose of our mission ministries:  to share God’s love with people beyond our own congregation.  Because all people are children of God, we have a responsibility to reach out to all people who need assurance of their acceptance and inclusion in God’s grace.

To support this purpose we have decided to hold a dedicated funding drive specifically for missions giving each year.  This funding drive will take place within the context of a Faith Promise Missions Conference. This year our Faith Promise Missions Conference will be held on Sunday, February 19th, and the theme for the conference will be “How Shall They Hear?”, based upon Paul’s words to Romans above.

Faith Promise means discerning what God is asking you to give of your personal resources, promising to give these resources, and believing God will be faithful to provide so that the promise may be fulfilled.  You will receive more information on our Faith Promise program by mail very soon.

I am thankful for all who have generously and consistently given to the missions program in the past, and look forward to how God will work in each of you through our collective Faith Promise giving in the future.

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor Dave