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Rev. Tom Rives
Pastor |
"...we can not out give God" |
A Word from our Pastor....
Worship Services
Sunday morning
- Bible study - 9:15 AM
- Worship - 10:30 AM
Sunday evening
Wednesday night
- Bible study - 6 PM and 7 PM
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It is hard for me to fathom that 2009 is coming to a close and that it is Christmas time already. Where does all the time go? This year has been a hard year in ministry and yet a fruitful year at the same time. It has been a hard year in the loss of jobs and income for many of our families; and yet at the same time it has been a fruitful year in your faithfulness in giving. Even though we reduced our budget significantly it was still a hard year for us to be able to meet our budget and continue to give toward missions. It looks like we will meet our budget requirements for 2009, and if not, we will be extremely close. At the same time, with our giving holding strong, our missions giving totaled over $200,000. When you consider that we operated on a $850,000 budget it means that we have given almost 25% of our income toward missions. All of this is a simple reminder that leaving it in God’s hands, “little is much”.
This year was a hard year and a fruitful year as it relates to our church family. I conducted 9 funerals for members of our church or one of their family members. Seven of those were for people who were very active in the ministry of Carrollwood Baptist Church. For some of them, I had been their pastor for 26 years. It was a hard year because each one of those funerals seem to take an extra toll on me as well as the congregation; at the same time it was a fruitful year as we got to dedicate the new children born into our church family. It was extra special for me to be able to include our twin granddaughters in that service. It can’t get any better than that!
It was a hard year in trying to make sure we live within our means as a church and at the same time continue to provide ministry to the place where God had set us. It was so fruitful to see how God continued to provide finances, leadership and excitement for all we were doing. It was a fruitful year to have our staff intact and in place for the entire year. We are blessed as a congregation to have the men and ladies that work on our staff.
So what does next year look like! I’m not sure, but I know that if you and I continue to trust God, next year will been even better. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your lives.” I want to thank you for a wonderful year and for the joy and privilege I have in being your pastor. As we get through Thanksgiving and head into Christmas, Dianne and I say thanks for being who you are and for loving us. Our prayer is that you will have a great Christmas and a wonderful 2010.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Tom |
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