It has been a busy season for the elders. In addition to our regular rhythm of praying and caring for people, we have been working with the Nominating Committee and preparing the 2017 proposed budget. We plan to publish the proposed budget and slate of nominations within the next few weeks.
God has been so faithful and generous to Our Saviour this year. We participated in launching four church plants in the Chicago area and we celebrated 60 years of gospel-centered ministry in Wheeling. We also welcomed Pastor Joel to our staff. On Sunday, November 20th, we will gather together at 6pm in the sanctuary to sing and share with one another our thankfulness to God. Dessert will be served following this time of thanksgiving in the Fellowship Hall. Personally, I hope many of you will sign up to bring a homemade pie J. We will have a sign-up table in the lobby starting this Sunday.
As in years past, during November we will have a special Thanksgiving offering. This year the elders are directing the offering toward renovating our church nursery. Recently, the number of little ones in our nursery has grown requiring us to schedule three, then four, now as many as five workers. It is a terrific problem to have, but in order to best care for nursery-age children and serve their families, we must update that space. The carpet is old and worn, there is a strip where the cement floor is exposed, and tile is chipping away near the restroom. Also, so that the nursery workers can better utilize the space and properly supervise all children, a wall needs to be removed between two rooms to make one large area. The estimated cost for this renovation is $10,000.
After hearing from and meeting with many of you, we have decided now is not the right time for a large-scale capital campaign. While delaying some property needs will not compromise our mission to reach our community with the hope of Jesus, there are several smaller projects that are critical to our mission. At the top of that list is renovating our nursery because of its strategic importance in welcoming young families.
Please consider how God is leading you to make a special, one-time gift in addition to your tithe for this important project. Remember to designate ‘nursery renovation’ on your check or offering envelope. According to God’s grace, we hope to fill an updated nursery with babies and toddlers for years to come.
