As I write my report for 2001, giving thought to our ministry together this past year, I want to try to highlight some significant steps taken and cast a vision for Friedens in 2002.

Strategic Planning

A group of dedicated men and women gave hours and hours of their time to meet with Pastor Dan Lupton, a church planning consultant, to pray about, discuss, and articulate our church's values, vision, purpose, and mission. Our Mission Statement is: To seek out and welcome all in need of spiritual direction, to reconcile lives to God and to build and equip devoted disciples to serve Christ Jesus. Having completed that (and it was easier said than done), there was also the challenge to develop goals and strategies that might facilitate the accomplishing of the mission. The Annual Report includes the report of the Strategic Planning Team. Please read it carefully and prayerfully. Consider how you might embrace it and join with your brothers and sisters in Christ to make it work to God's glory. VISION: It is my prayer that God would grant us unity of purpose and Spirit-powered passion to accomplish His mission In 2002 we will be working on strategies to accomplish specific goals related to the Mission Statement. We'll also be looking at the long-term needs of the church as they relate to facilities and staff.

Adult Christian Education

This past year we developed quarterly adult Christian Education options during the 9:15am Sunday School hour. It is gratifying to see so many adults interested in gaining a better knowledge of the Bible and its application to everyday Christian living. I sense our church gaining spiritual strength as well as the building and equipping of more people able and willing to take on ministry responsibilities in the church. VISION: This area of adult Christian Education, small groups, Bible Studies, and support groups will require even more attention and development this year. I would also pray that some of those who have been attending classes and growing in their faith would get involved in ministries that help others grow too.

Worship Attendance

Our worship attendance, on average, increased again this past year - especially the fall of the year. We're averaging about 260 per Sunday (about 80 at the 8:00 am service and about 180 at the 10:30 am service). That's encouraging. And yet, along with all the faces I see, I can also go through our membership roster and note dozens of people whose attendance is infrequent. VISION: Given the number of people who are members, along with our regularly attending church friends and visitors, our average attendance could be near 400 each Sunday. In 2002, an effort will be made to personally contact all those inactive members in an effort to bring them to a higher level of participation.

Giving

As our attendance increases, and the faith of those attending increases, the financial stewardship of those attending increases That's how it typically works. It is very encouraging that once again we have been able to accomplish our financial goals and even have a little "cushion" for emergencies and to carry us into the new year and new opportunities. But it is obvious that too many of our members did not support the ministry and mission of the church in 2001. VISION: As the Day of the Lord draws near, we need every resource available to accomplish His mission. God provides resources as a trust to be used to His glory. . . resources we're supposed to gladly and sacrificially give to fund ministries that seek out and welcome those in need of spiritual direction, reconcile lives to God, and build and equip devoted disciples of Christ Jesus. This year, we will be challenged to be more sacrificial in our giving, encouraging self-examination of how we spend all that is entrusted to us, and doing more education about the biblical foundations of the stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.

In Gratitude

It has been my pleasure to serve with Matt MacKellar, our Associate Pastor. He is sensitive and mature beyond his years. He loves the church of Jesus Christ and Friedens in particular. He has proven himself to be a pastor to all ages. He has demonstrated ministry skills along with a willingness to learn and grow. Matt, and his wife Kari, have been extremely supportive of my family and me. He is a great friend, co-worker, and brother in Christ. Friedens is fortunate that God placed him here.

I am also very thankful for all those people in the church - some are members and some are not - who dedicate countless hours to helping with the many ministries of this church. I will not name anyone because I would miss too many. But you are Sunday School teachers, AWANA leaders, BLAZE leaders, ushers, greeters, singers, instrumentalists, nursery caregivers, YBS staff, painters, fixers, organizers, bakers, cooks, servers, dishwashers, decorators, drivers, table and chair movers, directors, typists, folders and staplers, fundraisers, sign-makers, caretakers, prayer partners, card-senders, phone-callers, parade marchers, game leaders, vision-casters, web-site designers, computer-fixers and more. I thank you and I pray God blesses you for being such a blessing. And I pray your example of servanthood inspires others to do the same.

I will also take advantage of this opportunity to commend my wife, Sue, and our kids. Being the spouse and children of the pastor is a unique blessing and challenge. I have gladly accepted this call, understanding its demands and requirements, but my family didn't have much choice. God continues to watch over our family, and this year Sue and I celebrate 25 years of marriage. I want to thank her, as well as Katie and Tyler, for their understanding when I'm called away from family time and for handling so well the stresses of parsonage life. And to all those the church family who have been sensitive to the needs of my family and my needs as a husband and father — thank you so very much for your encouragement and support.

I believe we have every reason to be thankful as we review 2001. God has been so very faithful to lead us and bless us. We have every reason to be excited about 2002. We know that with God all things are possible! Even though we have lofty goals and challenges to face, God is bigger than any and all of the obstacles we could possibly encounter along the way.

I have a request of every person in the extended Friedens family. Please commit to praying for the church's leadership each day. We have been given the responsibility for seeking and communicating the course God sets for this church in the coming year. We try to be faithful to all God wants for this ministry - whether it is on our agenda or not. . .whether it is popular or not. I am confident that prayer works. I am confident that God wants to build up this church and use it in ways we have not yet envisioned. And I am certain, as the Day of the Lord draws near, that He will challenge us and equip us to impact more lives with the gospel of Christ than ever before thought possible! Thank you for the privilege of serving as your senior pastor and thank you for your prayers and support