Good morning! We continue in our series “The Parables of Jesus: Wisdom For Life.” Today, we turn to one of the most misunderstood, yet most important parables, the “Parable of the Prodigal Son.” As you’ll see, it could also be called the “Parable of a Loving God.” I hope you are blessed!
“Revive Weekend” starts Friday night! I hope you’ll be here for all five sessions! The details are in your bulletin. Please sign up today so we can have food for you on Saturday!
At the start of the year, we listed four goals for the year:
- A 10% increase in church attendance
- A 10% increase in Sunday School attendance.
- One baptism a month (i.e., at least 12 for the year)
- One new adult Sunday School class
Here are the 3rd quarter numbers. These are on a YOY (year over year) basis, comparing last year’s third quarter to this year.
- Attendance: 5.5% increase
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Fellowship attendance.
- Adult Bible Fellowship: 3.2% increase
- Children’s Sunday School: 22% increase
These are not the numbers/souls we were praying for. However, we are still on target in meeting our goals for the year.
Here is the comparison of first three quarters of this year compared to the same period last year.
- Attendance: 13% increase
- Sunday School/Adult Bible Fellowship attendance.
- Adult Bible Fellowship: 14% increase
- Children’s Sunday School: 36% increase
- Baptisms – 9, which is on target for the goal of 12 for the year
Numbers never tell the whole story. However, numbers represent souls. Keep doing what you can to reach people! I am greatly heartened by the stories some of you tell me about sharing the gospel or inviting someone to church. Praise God, He is using you!
Last week, I misstated our Children’s Director Jennifer Belcher’s hours. The Personnel Team established her current hours as 20-25 a week, up from 10-15. I’m thankful for this, and for her ministry!
