Today was an exceptional day. I have been meeting people non-stop for the last two-weeks (maybe longer) mostly leading up to our congregational meeting. The phrase "Annual Church Meeting" is often the strongest cussin' in a pastor's vocabulary (it's often what I say when I hit my fingers with a hammer for example). I have never felt that way about SouthGate meetings - but as we have grown we have taken on bigger decisions - e.g., are we ready for independence? Is this budget do-able? Who is a member? etc. 

One of the big things we were discussing was our budget. This was the first year we developed our own budget. That is a great step forward - but we had to do it without any actual financial records from our accounting service. Needless to say this caused me more than a little frustration and worry (and insomnia). But because we did our homework and our congregation understands some of the struggles we have had with our mother church (more like a crack-mother church at times) they endorsed the budget and other business.

It has been good to watch people step into leadership roles - and this was so apparent from the involvement of people in the meeting.

ehkosit

migwec