Here are some assumptions: Without a vision, there is no mission. Without a mission, there is no purpose. Without a purpose, there is no commitment. Do you agree? Are these assumptions correct? The Financial Vision Team believes they are and that is why our financial commitment to the church must be linked to our vision for ministry. Vision yields purpose and purpose yields commitment.

So we are embarking on a new undertaking, one that will involve not merely raising money but constructing our vision for ministry. It begins before summer is upon us. You will be receiving a questionnaire asking three questions. One ministry of our church that I really appreciate is…..; One area I’d like to see the church grow (or improve in) is…...; The person I’d like to suggest as “Volunteer Of The Year” is….. We will also be asking the Boards, Committees and Teams of the church to project their funding requests for 2009 and to offer three new things they would like to do if we have a successful financial campaign. They will also be asked to indicate one existing thing their group could cut if we do not have a successful campaign. We will then build a vision for our ministry composed of those things of value we are currently doing and what we would like to do or improve. Then on September 27^th, we will have a congregational dinner where fun prizes will be awarded, entertainment will be offered, the Volunteer Of The Year will be revealed and your responses along with the Boards/Committees/Teams vision for our ministry will be shared. In this way, we will link our money to our mission.

Is this a new approach? Yes. The overall design comes from the First Baptist Church of Hanson which has been using this program for nine years and seen positive results each year. It is another step in our effort to preserve and promote our ministry both here and around the world.

I hope you will help, not only with your financial support, but in helping to shape our vision for ministry. The challenge God has set before us, I believe, we are rising to meet. Our congregation is growing. The ministry we are performing is transforming lives. The Spirit is alive and healthy. Let us continue the good work already begun. Be looking for the questionnaire and make sure you return it to the church office by June 22^nd. Catch the vision. Be a part of our mission. Know our purpose. Renew your commitment.

Faithfully,

Jeffrey Long-Middleton