It seems that only last week we were celebrating New Years, and yet we are counting down the final days of 2007. It has been a year full of ups and downs as we have pressed onward through our church’s transitional period. The year began disappointingly as we said goodbye to many in our family who relocated due to jobs, illness or following what they perceived to be God’s direction in their lives. Our disappointment was brushed aside as we united behind a surge to retire the building debt which has led to a record $1,504,871.00 being given to date. Equally uplifting is the upswing in new members who join weekly since spring now numbering 163 since January.

Our budget has been the source of concern to some. The combination of our lower attendance, an overly ambitious budget, exceptional designated giving and the general volatility of the economy has kept us from meeting our projected budget goal throughout most this year. Your staff tightened their spending to match our giving and we have done reasonably well. The church adopted a 2008 budget of $3,785,935, down slightly from 2007, to avert this nagging disparity between budget goal and actual gifts. Your Finance Committee and staff will continue to exercise due diligence to make certain that we live not only within our means, but faithfully as stewards of God’s money. As you read this you are looking at year end and maybe you have fallen behind on your giving to the church. Or perhaps you have given but done so outside of the ministry budget. Either way, I ask that you carefully and prayerfully consider making a year end gift to the church. We need every member to rally and help us finish strong. For ideals on how to give, you can look on our website at wjbc.org or contact Jerry Ross or Joyce Mullis in the Finance office at 660-4535. We cannot afford for you to delay so act now!

I so look forward to 2008 and what God has in store for us at West Jackson. Covenant now to attend regularly, give generously and serve faithfully in the New Year. May God bless you and keep you in His tender care.