Chuck Bridges Blog

The last post I wrote reminded all the people at Washington Avenue about our special, first annual churchwide meeting that took place last night. I really didn’t know what to expect because we haven’t done anything like this in my time here. Our objective was to share a time of food and fellowship; give everyone a copy of next year’s budget (asking our people to commit to the Lord to do their part); share exciting mission opportunities in 2009; and celebrate ALL that God has done through these ministries in 2008.

I have to say that, in my humble opinion, this gathering accomplished all of these objectives — AND MORE! When the group of people who have become a part of Washington Avenue this year stood, there was a spontaneous erruption of applause (which I believe was genuine Praise to God!). Then, when the people who stood testifying that 2008 marked the year when they received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, my heart was filled with JOY and my eyes were wet with tears. This reminded US of why we are here!!! And, it renewed an anticipation to think about how many more people will find their way into the KINGDOM of GOD through Washington Avenue’s ministries in 2009.

We also experienced a special time of Community together. You could feel the Love in the room. As I stood before the group it felt as though I was sitting down with a cup of coffee sharing with a few close friends. Scott and Arlene did a great job sharing the budget for next year, explaining to our people where we are financially and encouraging everyone to pray, give, and trust God to lead us in the area of our finances. I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW GRATEFUL I AM TO THE STEWARDSHIP TEAM FOR DOING A GREAT JOB PUTTING THE BUDGET TOGETHER! They will also be meeting regularly this year to monitor receipts and expenses, helping us operate within this budget. Of course, increases in giving will also be monitored and decisions about using any extra money will be reviewed by this Team!

Lisa Freeman did an outstanding job sharing with our people about the fantastic Mission Opportunities we have planned for 2009. Just hearing these “Visionary” plans fired me up! We are so blessed to have a Missionary like Lisa in our Fellowship. If you want to know more about these opportunities for service, pick up a brochure at the information desk in the atrium.

Finally, Tommy Turner closed our time together by sharing some of the trials and victories Washington Avenue Church has experienced over these past few years. He encouraged our hearts by reminding us that God knows exactly where we are and He will guide us into this uncertain new year. Tommy is a special man of God who loves the Lord and his church family. He is passionate about seeing others come into the Kingdom! I pray that his zeal and compassion will spread through our entire fellowship.

God Needs ALIVE Churches where He can draw the masses of people in this world who are wandering in darkness. I think our time together last night reminded me that God has a purpose for Washington Avenue and has assembled a group of special people to BE this lighthouse for so many. As the prophet Isaiah said hundreds of years before Jesus was born: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” (9:2&6) I pray that people walking in darkness will see this light shining brightly at Washington Avenue Church in 2009!!