November 11, 2023

Dear Rockford Reformed Church family and friends,

Here’s a quick update on a few things happening for us... First, a quick reminder about our special congregational meeting tomorrow following our worship service (we are thinking it may take about 20 minutes). The “Love in Action” sermon will be based on Romans 12:9-13 and inform us again for the vision of our Welcome Initiative and the renovation. The congregational meeting will provide an update on the renovation and the giving toward it. And then, we will see how we can all be a part of wonderfully providing for it—especially over the next year.

Our current financial status through October includes almost $533,000 in ministry and missions giving, about $51,000 short of the amount budgeted. The summer months usually leave us short, and we are grateful for the “catch-up” that has already begun in October and November. After budgeting/planning conservatively, our expenses are also less and so, giving is $10,000 less than our expenses so far this year. Giving to the Welcome Initiative through October totaled approximately $158,000 and we will get more details on that tomorrow.

Leigh Verburg and Ashley Edwards have wonderfully partnered together to faithfully lead and disciple the leaders and our middle and high school students since the summer of last year. Over the last several months, Leigh transitioned from part-time to full-time in her position as a librarian, and as student relationships increased, so did the needs and work required. It was all becoming too much, and so, Leigh and Ashley are stepping down from their role effective 12/1. The admin team has been working over the last few weeks with interviews for a couple of options that were quickly available to us for leading our students well. You are encouraged to pray for wisdom for all involved as we seek to fill this significant role for our church family’s ministries. We also give thanks for Leigh’s and Ashley’s hearts and excellent work for discipling our students. Leigh looks forward to continuing with a reduced role as a leader/discipler for the student ministries.

This is the time of year when many of us head into the woods with high hopes and we often settle for seeing not much more than God’s stunning creation. Those grand bucks get scarce when you are finally ready for them in the tree stand. I am one of those who enjoys the beauty of a crisp morning with the potential of taking home a great memory. And so, I will be taking some days off next week and Mike Fisk will be preaching on the 19th. I look forward to being back for preaching on the 26th and introducing an excellent way for us to serve and connect in our community.

Note that our annual congregational meeting will follow the worship service on December 10. The renovation has forced us into making some adjustments, but we have been greatly encouraged with our worship time and the connections and learning that is happening at our Sunday evening Focal Point gatherings. The vital importance of connecting and spiritual growth in the context of our church family can hardly be overstated. Join a Life Group if you haven’t (Mike Fisk will be glad to hear from you). As we move inside now for these long winter months, let’s develop a rhythm around community, hospitality, and growing together in the gospel—all for his glory—and our joy!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Tim