Sunday, November 19, 2006
Sunday's Town Hall Meeting
The Arcade Town Hall meeting was attended by a couple of hundred people who have a passion to see Arcade worship Jesus Christ and honor Him in all things. Bill Baker the Chairman of the Elder Board facilitated the meeting in which various staff pastors gave an overview of Arcade ministries. It became obvious there is much to be thankful about as each pastor gave encouraging reports of ministry, changed lives and hope.
Bill Baker also brought a reality check to all the good reports given. He reported that the congregation is over $400,000 behind budget for this fiscal year, which is only 4 1/2 months into the fiscal year. Tim Skillman reported how the pastoral staff and elder board have prayed for wisdom and guidance to limit expenses and create a livable budget. Beside eliminating 25 paid staff positions, 15 % was also cut from the Missions budget. Some of these cuts were necessary and long overdue. This period of Arcade financial crunch has forced us to take a realistic look at all Missions support given. $90,000 dollar plus was cut from the missions budget. This included retirees; other ministries which had or were closing. There were several state-side organizations, and individuals who were also reduced.
During the Q & A time, interaction centered around missions and ministry claifications. Words of encouragement and suggestions from the floor where both clarifying and supportive. We have much to be thankful for during this Thanksgiving season. Pastor Jake reminded us of the tumultuous 3 years we have just past through. Those waters saw the release of all but two pastoral positions. Arcade suffered the loss of over 400 attendees and 120 giving members.
The attendance dropped significantly in the past 14 months - from 1900 down to 1500 members/attendees. It was reported that the acquisition of Del Norte Club has not drained on the cash flow of the Arcade Budget, since the Club basically pays for itself. Other ministries were either eliminated, or consolidated. Through it all there has been a healthy spirit of life in Christ as He continues to Build His Church! Praise God for His faithfulness! Please continue to pray for the pastoral team, elder board and office staff as the ministry continues to manuver toward calmer waters. Pray for the members of Arcade to take their responsibiloity of worship and service seriously. It was reported that 37% of the Arcade donors ONLY give an average of $200 - A YEAR!! That is a shock! Pray that the Lord will bless them all with new hearts of worship and increased income, so they will want to generously give unto the Lord for His faithfulness to them!
Blessings to all at Arcade with peace and joy from God our Father and His Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and the life of the Holy Spirit! ~ writer: Joe Walsh, Elder ¶ 9:46 PM
The Arcade Town Hall meeting was attended by a couple of hundred people who have a passion to see Arcade worship Jesus Christ and honor Him in all things. Bill Baker the Chairman of the Elder Board facilitated the meeting in which various staff pastors gave an overview of Arcade ministries. It became obvious there is much to be thankful about as each pastor gave encouraging reports of ministry, changed lives and hope.Bill Baker also brought a reality check to all the good reports given. He reported that the congregation is over $400,000 behind budget for this fiscal year, which is only 4 1/2 months into the fiscal year. Tim Skillman reported how the pastoral staff and elder board have prayed for wisdom and guidance to limit expenses and create a livable budget. Beside eliminating 25 paid staff positions, 15 % was also cut from the Missions budget. Some of these cuts were necessary and long overdue. This period of Arcade financial crunch has forced us to take a realistic look at all Missions support given. $90,000 dollar plus was cut from the missions budget. This included retirees; other ministries which had or were closing. There were several state-side organizations, and individuals who were also reduced.
During the Q & A time, interaction centered around missions and ministry claifications. Words of encouragement and suggestions from the floor where both clarifying and supportive. We have much to be thankful for during this Thanksgiving season. Pastor Jake reminded us of the tumultuous 3 years we have just past through. Those waters saw the release of all but two pastoral positions. Arcade suffered the loss of over 400 attendees and 120 giving members.
The attendance dropped significantly in the past 14 months - from 1900 down to 1500 members/attendees. It was reported that the acquisition of Del Norte Club has not drained on the cash flow of the Arcade Budget, since the Club basically pays for itself. Other ministries were either eliminated, or consolidated. Through it all there has been a healthy spirit of life in Christ as He continues to Build His Church! Praise God for His faithfulness! Please continue to pray for the pastoral team, elder board and office staff as the ministry continues to manuver toward calmer waters. Pray for the members of Arcade to take their responsibiloity of worship and service seriously. It was reported that 37% of the Arcade donors ONLY give an average of $200 - A YEAR!! That is a shock! Pray that the Lord will bless them all with new hearts of worship and increased income, so they will want to generously give unto the Lord for His faithfulness to them!
Blessings to all at Arcade with peace and joy from God our Father and His Son our Lord Jesus Christ, and the life of the Holy Spirit! ~ writer: Joe Walsh, Elder ¶ 9:46 PM
