Dear Hope Family,
Our Lord Jesus says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”[1]
This year – 2014 – we embrace our identity as “laborers” for the sake of those who are without God and without hope. We read “The harvest is plentiful” on our Sanctuary wall. We are praying for all of us to become laborers with and for Jesus. We are availing ourselves to resources (such as Dwight Robertson’s Plan A book and, for many of us, a week at Deep Camp this past July). We united for a day of service to our neighbors on August 24. And we are learning on Sunday mornings throughout November from Pastor Dan how we are called not only to love God and one another, but also our neighbors. While some are called to board planes to fields far away (and we are devoted to supporting them “in a manner worthy of God”[2]) many of us are called to lovingly labor for those who are just a walk across the room or a drive across town.
If you missed this week’s message from Dan, you can hear it online. Moving forward, I urge all of us to gather together on Sunday mornings by 10:15 (coffee is on by 10:10), connect with some current & new friends, unite to sing as the musicians lead us at 10:30 and then, listen closely as we learn even more how to become “ambassadors of heaven” while still living here on earth.
I also want to share some good financial news. Since so many within Hope are seeking to faithfully steward God’s money (which includes making it, giving to further God’s work through local churches, saving it, using it to provide for our household’s needs and getting out of debt with it), Hope ended our fiscal year on August 31, 2014 in a positive position by $3,206 in our general fund ($280,198 received & $276,992 spent – click here to view chart). This is a first in several years! In addition, collectively you gave over $109,231 to provide hope in specific ways into funds such as: Benevolence, Prayer Ministry, Capital Improvements, Ministry Expansion, MOPs, Missions and Youth Missions. Praise God and way to go!
Currently, we are 2 months into our new ministry year which runs from 9/1/14 – 8/31/15. This year’s budget anticipates an increase in our current monthly giving (from an average of $18,000 / month to $20,000) as well as extra end of the year contributions of about $40,000 total in December. If you are currently giving according to what God has put on your heart – thank you and may he continue to bless you! If you are new to Hope and have any questions about the finances around here before you join forces with us in this way, please bring your questions to either Dan, our Pastor for Business & Mission, at dkaskubar@hopefordenver.com or myself at deanw@hopefordenver.com. Let’s all pray about giving an extra gift as we approach the end of 2014.
Last night a new guest in our small group said with tears, “Though I haven’t been here long, I feel loved in this church. Isn’t it great that we have people from all generations? I am so glad to be a part of Hope.”
With love & gratitude,
Dean
[1] Matthew 9:37–38, ESV
[2] 3 John 7, ESV