October 10, 2024
As we move into the last quarter of 2024, we wanted to give you an update on some things the Diaconate has been doing recently and changes taking place around the campus.
Our campus has grown with the purchase of 419 Northpark Drive. Renovations are well underway to configure that space for our church staff and we expect to have them moved in by the end of the year. Our staff offices are currently spread around campus in the front of the sanctuary, the back of the sanctuary, the education building, the multipurpose building, and the parlor. While 419 cannot accommodate every staff member, all of the full-time staff and a few others will have dedicated offices in this building. Not only do we expect this to be a blessing to our staff, but it will also free up significant space in the current footprint of the campus—particularly the sanctuary—for future campus improvements.
General fund giving has been right on budget so far. Through the end of August, general fund contributions were over what we budgeted to receive by that point in the year by $4,638 (which is less than 0.5% over budget). We thank the Lord for his gracious provision through your giving. Being on track with giving lightens the burden of preparing next year’s budget. At the same time, we want to encourage you to continue to give generously so that we might not merely make budget this year, but that we would have a surplus and be able to expand the work of Pear Orchard. When we prepare the budget, we strive to exercise prudent planning based on economic realities and giving trends from prior years while also having a bold, hopeful vision for what the Lord would do at Pear Orchard. Annual giving that exceeds what we have budgeted encourages Pear Orchard’s staff, officers, and ministries to deepen and broaden their vision as we seek to pursue transformation by truth and grace together for the glory of Christ!
Speaking of the budget, please pray for the 2025 budgeting process that is underway. Several steps in that process have already taken place. The Diaconate will discuss and approve a budget at our October meeting next week. Then, the Diaconate and the Session will have a joint meeting the following week where the budget will be presented to the Session for approval and adoption.
The Diaconate is working closely with Christ Covenant School on a number of projects as the school is making improvements around the campus including campus security. Cathy Haynie, head of school, gave an encouraging presentation to the Diaconate in September about CCS’s mission, growing enrollment, achievements, and master campus plan. It is exciting to see how the Lord is prospering the work of CCS!
Please pray for us as we seek to be good stewards of what the Lord has provided to Pear Orchard. Please also pray for the men who are currently in officer training.
~ Madison Taylor, 2024 Diaconate Chair