Closing the Books on 2021

Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and we struggle in the daily grind of things. But with eyes of faith we can look to the future with a sense of promise.  Such is our hope here at The Neighborhood Church.  This past Sunday we held the Annual Budget Meeting of the church after taking a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Our theme for the gathering was “On Our Way Rejoicing” as we gave thanks for the past year and set our sights on the unfolding year of 2022.  
 
The Neighborhood Church holds much promise in our present life and as we move into the future.  We rest our trust on the great promise - that the future is God’s.  I truly believe we are growing in faith as a community of grace.  And for that I give thanks and rejoice!
 
Our promise and potential are gifts of God enabled and strengthened through past faithfulness and current sharing of our pledges and financial contributions to the church.  We have reason to rejoice.  Through unexpected revenue, we were able to end 2021 in the black.  And with generous increases and sustained support, we adopted a balanced budget for 2022.  All this while dealing with the “ups and downs, twists and turns” and struggle of the past two years.
 
The goal of the church according to theologian, H. Richard Niehbuhr, is “the increase among human beings of the love of God and neighbor.” Part of the practical working out of that goal is done through the budget of the church.  Budgets are not very exciting – but what they undergird and give expression to through the ministries of the church are.  It is what gives support and life to our ministries – such that our vitality and enthusiasm are contagious and impactful.
 
Let’s look to the future joyfully and with gratitude - as we are On Our Way Rejoicing.  In the words of the apostle Paul,

 “We are bound to give thanks to God always for you, 
brothers and sisters, as is fitting, because your faith 
 is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you 
for one another is increasing. Rejoice in the Lord always. 
And again, I say rejoice!”

 
 Pursuing the Promise,

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister