Youth Update
Looking Forward
2009 was an exciting and challenging year for the youth. From a mission trip to Philadelphia, a DiscipleNow Weekend to a camping trip and hiking at Red River Gorge, the youth have served others, had their faith challenged, and grown closer together in Christ. It’s been exciting to see them begin to learn what it means to be obedient, to see them give, and to watch them grow spiritually. It would be easy to become content.
In Philippians 3:12-14 we are encouraged not to become complacent in what has already been achieved as Paul writes - Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
This past year was great but it’s time to begin looking forward to and eagerly anticipate what Christ is going to do next. 2010 will hopefully see the youth continue in their growth. I ask that you be in prayer for the youth ministry. Pray that the students will continue to grow in their relationship with Christ, continue to serve, and continue to be respondent to the ways Christ is calling them to live.
Serving with you, Josh Benton
2009 Highlights
Sunday School
When asked to give a couple highlights about the Sunday School this past year I would have to begin with the fact we were able, after much prayer and consultation, to birth a new Sunday School class. The Mary and Martha class is a ladies class lead by Susan Brown in the lower level of the new addition.
Second, would have to be the new preschool playground. The Lord moved in through the generosity and efforts of both those within and outside of the EFBC body. Aptly named Noah’s Ark Playground in memory of Noah Booze, the vision of having a safe, fun, educational, and age appropriate playground for the preschool came to be in the early months of the year.
Also, 152 was our Sunday School high attendance in 2009 and is the number to beat for our upcoming high attendance event scheduled for January, February and March; our goal for this event is 200.
Financial Giving
Outreach Ministries…………………….$50,466.67
Vision “Together We Build”…………....$71,128.57
Average offering needed per week……..$5,279.62
Average offering received per week……$5,183.04
Average spent per week……………...…$4,952.28
Youth & Awana
23 Youth served on a mission trip in Philadelphia, PA.
70 Children attend Awana & hear the Gospel message regularly.
30 Adults are committed to share the love of God with Awana clubbers each week.
EFBC members visited 45 Awana and youth families in December thanking them for allowing their children to attend, telling them that God loves them, and trying to begin a positive relationship with the families.
Membership
Received 10 new members into our fellowship.