Annual Meeting
Written by Administrator Saturday, 14 January 2006 19:00
Each January Immanuel Baptist Church conducts its Annual Meeting as a means of looking back over the past year to count our blessings … and looking ahead to consider the cost and make our commitment to the Lord regarding our leaders and budget for the coming year. Staff members and departmental directors also submit reports recounting events and blessings from the previous year. (Special thanks goes to my secretary, Naomi Corcoran, for her diligent work under duress at this time of year!)In one of my reports, The Year in Review, I give a monthly synopsis of 2005 (though space prohibited included many items). In reliving those twelve months, the hand of God could be seen moving among us in a multitude of ways. The new MOPS program began attracting more young mothers. Our Information Classes led to large numbers of families and individuals joining our fellowship. A team of our Evangelism Explosion trainers traveled to Africa to equip nearly 30 pastors for better outreach. Our Vacation Bible School touched the lives of hundreds of kids, and nine trusted Christ as Savior. Our Family Ministries hosted a successful GFI Regional Parenting Conference. You responded to the needs of the victims of Hurricane Katrina remarkably with tens of thousands of dollars being used to bring food, clothing, shelter and rebuilding to those in dire situations. (And wasn’t last week’s report from the Anthonys on our efforts in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, a heart-warming story!) Our Missions Conference with Thomas Smoak, III (“Bearing Kingdom Fruit”) left an indelible mark on our hearts. May we continue to bear abiding fruit! We had more teens and families than ever involved in our “Labor of Love” – as teams of people raked leaves for widows, shut-ins, and others in need. Our Thanksgiving Offering for our missionaries was the largest ever with over $29,000 being divided among those faithful servants. Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service saw the church filled with people rejoicing that Light had come into the world. And there are so many more things included in all the reports. These will be available to you on Wednesday night. Please come and read of all the blessings.
Of course, we will appoint Elders and officers for the church, and seek your approval for the Church Budget (both General and Missions Funds). These are important matters in and of themselves. But I want to urge you to come for another reason. There are some things on my own heart that I would like to share with you. While I am excited and thankful for all that the Lord is doing among us … there are some “concerns” that I would like to address. And as we gather, may God give us grace and guidance … and greater commitment for the new year.
-- Sparky