April 14, 2009

Dear First Family,

I thought you’d like to know some exciting news from our Easter services.  It was a wonderful weekend around Salem First. We had a chance to meet many, many new visitors, enjoy uplifting worship, and hold out Good News of our Resurrected Lord. As a result, we had a number of responses from those attending.

Many prayer requests were shared; decisions for Christ were made; a number of people rededicated their life to God; there were lots of requests for more information about the church and its ministries; and there were many whose hearts were filled with encouragement.  Thank you for your prayers leading up to Easter.  A number of you participated in 24/7 Prayer. I believe that those prayers made a wonderful difference.  Our attendance climbed to over 1850 for the weekend. PTL.

Let me add a word about the “Extend the Vision” Building Project. As you’ve probably been informed, we need to hear from all of our people in terms of a pledge.  The reason for this is because the previous pledges that were given are 23 months old.  Lots of changes have happened economically and many of our folks have been affected.  We desire to have the most accurate assessment possible, as we get ready to break ground.  If you have previously paid your pledge, or turned in a pledge card during this month of April 2009, we don’t need to hear further from you.  However, if we haven’t heard from you, we really need your response as soon as possible.

CURRENTLY, HERE’S WHERE WE STAND   

Amount needed:        $5.5 million

Amount on hand and pledged to date:       $4,057,786

      Pledges still needed:       $1,442,214

Our thanks to the many volunteers who are working diligently this week with our 2009 Clothing Giveaway.  They are doing a tremendous job in getting the church ready to be a blessing to many who are in need of clothes. In fact, they have already sorted and organized all the donations brought in Sunday and yesterday. The need for more good usable clothing is great and there’s still time to bring in your donations. Please drop them by the church gym as soon as you can. Thanks so much for helping bless our community with free clothing.

Let me close by giving my praise to the Risen Christ for all He’s done to bless our congregation and the ministries of the church.  He is worthy of our praise.  I also want to thank each of you for your faithfulness in prayer.  You are truly making a difference!

I’ll see you this Sunday!

Pastor Dave