Roseberry's Leaderboard

Dear Friends,

Grace and Peace to you for the New Year…and may 2009 be filled with the Lord’s blessing in your life.

I am sending out this special ‘year end’ edition of Leaderboard and The Call a little bit early in order to update you on some important information that you need to know. I have been told by our financial office that we are only $125,000 away from being able to end the year in the black. Some of our members and friends have put their contributions in the mail already and this figure will undoubtedly improve. But I hope I can presume on your goodwill and your love for Christ Church to do everything you can to help our church in these closing days of 2008.

Remember, all contributions must be received in our office by 4 p.m. on December 31 or be postmarked on that day. The Ministry Center will be open on Wednesday to take your contributions.

I must tell you that I am looking forward to the ministry and mission of Christ Church in 2009. There is SO much to be thankful for…and so much strength and vision for ministry that we share together. I trust that the Lord will lead us in very powerful ways in the year to come.

Special Parish Meeting: I have asked that we take a few moments together on January 11 for a ‘fireside chat’ (without the fire). I am eager to share with you the vision for Christ Church, the plan that I have implemented for our restructuring, the priorities I see for 2009, and some of the highlights we will share together. I will be able to briefly outline the new Anglican Province that is emerging in North America and our place in it. In addition, some may have specific questions that I can address.

Finally, did you see the video of my granddaughter? She’s a star! So far she has received over 11,000 hits on GodTube. (My sermons usually get a few hundred hits. Oh well…it pays to be cute!)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

David+

Dear Friends,
I picked up a magazine on personal finance today while I was waiting in a line. Hmm…the promise of the magazine was alluring. There was an attractive couple on the front cover. There were all kinds of statements and questions on the front cover, too. “Are you ready for retirement?” “Climb out of the debt hole and be free forever!” “Stay in control of your finances when life throws you a curve ball!”

Don’t we all have those same concerns? I would guess so. But are you aware that the Bible is one of the best sources of financial advice ever written? Do you know that Jesus spends an extraordinary amount of time focused on goods, spending and personal wealth?

Every year in the fall I spend a few weeks focused on the issues of money and personal stewardship. This year, with EVERYTHING that has gone on, I can’t think of a more opportune time to refocus on this subject from a biblical perspective. This is also the perfect time to invite your friends…and to be certain that YOU are in attendance, too. After this week’s sermon you will see that the wisdom of the Bible is as relevant and personal as you could imagine. The three-week series is called “The Trust Test” and I know you will find it helpful. (Also, you will be hearing more in the weeks to come about our next Financial Peace University class which begins January 10 and has been life-changing for so many.) By the way, here is a photo of a certain “trust test”…though this is NOT exactly what I have in mind. ☺

Then, when the series ends, we will have the privilege of gathering for worship on Thanksgiving Eve. Please, go to your calendar right now and mark Wednesday, November 26 as a must-attend event for your whole family . It will be a beautiful evening service—I promise to preach my heart out and the music will give you a sense of peace and hope. It has been a hard, hard year for many people, but the Bible is quite clear on the power of God as it comes into our lives. The people of God are always called to give thanks in all things (I Thess 5:18). Paul doesn’t tell us to give thanks for all things…but to give thanks in all things. He goes on to say, “for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” For Thanksgiving eve, I have a picture in my mind of our church filled to capacity with people, families and children, gathered around the table to say “thank you” for God’s blessings in their lives. Please don’t miss it.

‘See you this weekend.
David+