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Pastors Make 1. Please let the church office know (407-862-7578) when someone has been in the hospital, is in the hospital or is planning to be in the hospital. We can make a visit or phone call only if we know. Please inform us of any other adversity anyone from our church family is experiencing. 2. Please invite your friends to visit Markham Woods Church with you. Particularly, we'd like for you to invite your unchurched and former-Adventist friends. The Markham Woods pastors are committed to preaching sermons that are positive, upbeat and gospel-oriented. We intend never to preach a sermon that would leave you feeling as though you had to apologize to your friend. We always intend to preach with the expectation that many who are unchurched will be in the congregation. And we're depending on you to ensure that our expectation is reasonable! 3. Please go out of your way at church to greet and visit briefly with people you don't know. Granted, some of us are more naturally outgoing than others. But most of us, with a little determination, can become very gracious and hospitable. And don't think of it as a duty; rather, think of it as a ministry. Set a goal for yourself such as: I plan to introduce myself to and welcome two strangers every Sabbath. Not only will they feel more welcome, but you'll soon get to know a lot more people. And believe it or not, it will make you feel good, you know, your Boy Scout deed! 4. Please share your ideas and concerns with the church staff. If there's something you feel isn't being done correctly, let us know. If there's something you particularly like and definitely want to see retained, let us know. If you have an idea you think would be helpful, let us know. 5. Please give some thought to the type of church activities you'd like to become involved in. If you like working as a deacon, let us know at the church office (407-862-7578). If you'd like to work with the youth, let us know. If you'd like to sing, let us know. We want to know what role would be a pleasure for you to fill. So don't be shy about telling the church staff of your talents and interests. Who knows, when you take the initiative, it may mean you won't get asked to do some job you definitely don't want to do! 6. If you aren't acquainted with the pastors, please be sure you take time to introduce yourself. It's easy to be overlooked, so take the initiative in ensuring that the pastors know who you are. 7. Please keep Markham Woods Church in your prayers. Only when each of us make ourselves open to God's leading can we begin to achieve what God has in mind for us as a congregation. 8. Pastor Lauds Church's Record of Financial Support Dear Members and Attenders, At Markham Woods Church we don't make high-pressure appeals for money. We simply outline the needs, and we invite everyone to help to the degree they're able. The Church's Needs 1. Our church building is big and costs a lot to maintain. For electricity, water, sewer, trash collection, termite control, general maintenance, lawn care, custodial and insurance, we pay about $75,000 per year. 2. For all the functions of the church office-staff salaries, printing, photocopying, postage, telephones, office supplies and other costs related to pastoral care and church administration-we pay about $165,000 per year. 3. Sabbath School, Pathfinders, Adventurers, Eager Beavers, church socials, Vacation Bible School, Youth Outfitters Unlimited, Women's Ministries, Men's Ministries, outreach and all the other ministries of the church cost about $80,000 per year. 4. Subsidy for our children who attend FLEC or other area Adventist elementary and middle schools costs about $85,000 per year, which is down from former years, due to fewer students. 5. Fortunately, our mortgage is paid off. Equally fortunate, during 2001 and 2002 we were able to make substantial major inroads into many of our major maintenance and renovation needs. Much still needs to be done, however, as our building is getting older. Several air conditioners are nearly 20 years old. The roof over the Fellowship Hall needs to be replaced. Our landscaping needs a facelift. And a number of equipment items need to be replaced. So about $50,000 has been budgeted to cover these costs. 6. We're currently looking at construction of a Youth Chapel, which will not be a small item. Nearly $92,000 in seed money has been donated for that project, but much, much more will be needed. How We Can Help The 2008 Church Budget is $683,100. The Church Budget includes everything listed in the first five points just outlined. However, the money doesn't magically appear just because a budget figure has been written. The money comes in when church members and attenders feel inspired to give. So here's how we can all help. 1. Let's make our traditionally large December inflow of money the biggest ever during 2008. In addition to our tithe, the Bible invites us to give as we've been prospered. That means some will have a lot to give; others will have far less. But the large and small contributions, together, can achieve the goal. 2. Let's support the church's needs by giving consistently all year long. Whether our contributions are large or small, let's make it a habit to regularly include the Church Budget in our giving. Remember, the money we give as tithe, though doing a vital work, doesn't pay for the activities of the local church. The local work is financed by contributions to the Church Budget. So let's make the Church Budget just as regular a part of our giving as our tithe. Thanks to Everyone In conclusion, I want to thank you for your commitment financially. In my more than twelve years as senior pastor, the church has covered its expenses every year. And there has always been at least some surplus to put toward our list of things that are needed but are not so vital as to be put into the budget. I also want to thank you for your support of the church in general, and for your friendship. Markham Woods Church, as our philosophy brochures states, is a good family to belong to. And it's a great privilege to serve such a congregation. I want to thank you for your role in making my role so rewarding and fulfilling. Not only are you great parishioners, you're great friends as well. Jim Coffin, Senior Pastor
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