A Day with the Bishop

Susan Anderson, our Lay Member to Annual Conference, and I attended “A day with Bishop Bledsoe”, this past Saturday. It was an inspiring day and a day of reflection on what the United Methodist Church has done. It was also a wake up call for what we need to be doing. As a church we are asked to take the lead in spreading the kingdom of God in a changing world. Ignorance of adapting and embracing that change can only lead to a decrease in our nation’s Christian values and church participation.

Bishop Bledsoe made it very clear, “Growth in the church is not going to happen through its clergy. Laity is the path to success. Loving one another, caring for each other and the community, friendship, and active participation in each others lives and the life of the church will define who we are, today and tomorrow.” He believes we must continue to focus on four areas: Leadership Development; Development of new churches; Ministry with the Poor; and Global Ministries. Will we answer that call?

Susan and I believe Lake Cities UMC is ‘up’ to the challenge. 2012 is going to be a banner year for our church. Not by someone else’s doing, but by active participation by each and every member. We have new faces, new members, and children and youth on which to focus our attention and show what Lake Cities UMC is all about; “Spreading the kingdom of God throughout the community and the world”. Let’s do it Lake Cities. This is our year to radiate God’s love.

In His Service,
Virgil

Saturday, March 31, 2012 is UMW’s Spring Brunch.

All UMW ladies are invited to a luncheon at noon on Saturday, Feb 4th, at the home of Susan Anderson. Bring fresh ideas for planning the Spring Brunch along with a favorite dish you think would be good to serve at our brunch! You do not have to sign-up to be on a committee, just bring a sample of food; we are looking for new recipes/dishes to serve at the Spring Brunch!!

Confirmation Orientation is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 5, at noon.

Confirmation is traditionally for students in sixth grade, but any student older than that who has not gone through yet, is invited to join us.

If you have questions or would like to sign up, please let Lewis or Rene know as soon as possible, so we can match students with mentors.

Mid-winter Retreat registration is still open.

We will be going to Bridgeport Camp the weekend of February 17-19. The cost is $115.

You’ll need to register before February 8.

Click here to register your student

Once you sign your student up, please let Lewis Worthington know so that we can keep a list of who will be going.

Kids for Christ Needs You!

Kids For Christ, our younger children's program on Sunday evenings, is in need of adults to lead the program. We have a fun curriculum; full of games, crafts and music -- but, no one to lead. If you are interested, please contact Dorothea.

Two weeks ago the church staff submitted its year-end report to the conference office. This report was forwarded to our denominational officials for record purposes. I thought that I would share with you some interesting statistical information. I made a correction to the church expense reduction percentage that you will want to note.

The church’s membership is currently 683. This is a drop of membership by nearly 16% since its reported high mark of 812 members back in 2004.

The church’s total expense for 2011 was $191,051. This reflects a drop by 62% of its expenses since its reported high mark of $501,757 back in 2005.

The church’s apportionment asking this past year was $44,462. This amount reflects a drop in apportionment asking by 24% since its reported high mark of $58,940 in 2007.

The church’s average worship attendance for 2011 was 250 which reflect a near 5% increase in worship attendance over the past two years since its reported low point in 2009 of 239.

The church took in 32 members this past year which reflects the best year of new membership growth since 2006.

While these numbers may initially give the impression that the church has dramatically declined over the past decade, the good news reflected in this report is that the church is actually on an upward swing! Thanks to the dedicated effort of the church staff and its lay leaders, many have worked hard to control excessive expenses and be intentional in ministry. This process of cost control has been of immense help to the church’s budget.

Another area that I am excited to report is the launching of the church’s Capital Campaign Team. This team is made up of the following members: Mark Klingele, John Bailey, Larry Terrill, Kathy Lantrip, Keith Smith, Karen Morris, Loyed Ezzell, Jeff Stout, Rosie Alexander, and Sue Aldag. These volunteers are tasked to explore the hopes and dreams associated with the church’s facilities. They will be soliciting responses in the near future. Once their mission is complete they will make a report to the church which may, or may not, include a formal plan of action. Exciting days lie ahead!

Thanks again for everyone’s dedication to the ministry of Lake Cities UMC and its mission of expanding the Kingdom of God in its surrounding community.

Together in Christ,

Pastor Rene’

Help us break last year's record breaking number.

Our goal this year is 1750 cans. We will be collecting food and monetary donations at all three services.

Come join us Sunday, February 5th for our Tailgate Spectacular.

Anyone who likes to have a good time will have a blast here. Bring your lawn chair and your favorite tailgate food to share to the FLC at 5pm that Sunday. The game will be projected on the wall SO BIG it is almost like being at the game.

Invite your friends and families to join us. We will have games, cards, and of course the SUPER BOWL. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Please contact Beau or Dorothea for more information.