By Pastor Mike Mitchum
As another year begins, I look back on the last one with wonder. I am amazed at how God is extending the “reach” and providing the needs of CNC.
Our “reach” is extended like never before. At the time of writing this article, a week has just passed that saw three significant events. The Arabic Church that we sponsor on Sundays, had a Christmas program in which the sanctuary was completely full. In attendance were more than fifty Muslims who were hearing the gospel for the first time. The building was also full for the Big Kids Club Christmas program. Mostly attended by by area families, they also heard the good news of the Christmas story. Not to be left out, we were able to share the gospel with more people than would fit in one service in our two Sunday worship services.
We are extending our reach in other ways as well. Eteen (a Bible Study ministry to Middle Schoolers) has found a place to meet within our walls. Our Neighborhood Meals program continues to reach hundreds through the course of a year. The CLUB respite care program continues to grow.
A trip to Jordan this year extended our reach overseas. We look forward to another trip in two years.
This past year also saw God provide all the needs for the ministries of CNC. We ended the year with all operating expenses met.
The Board took a step of faith in 2009 by trusting God to provide for the expanding needs of the ministry. It was a scary step in a time of economic downturn. The people of the Church remained faithful in their giving to the Lord, and the giving increased over the previous year.
We have been able to hire Susan Wright and Jeff Davies as pastoral staff. When I write this we just need 39 more 5-4-2 pledges. Again, this is cause for praise to God as we trust him to provide the rest.
I am expecting that 2010 will be a year in which our “reach” is extended even further. May more people hear of the love of Christ through the ministries as testimonies of Cordova Neighborhood Church.
Well, you knew it was coming. You knew it was only a matter of time before I wrote an article referring to the arrival of my first grandchild! I tried to wait. I am trying not to mention it every week in my sermon. Really, I am trying.
September 1, 2009 started a new era in my life: a full-time career at CNC. I’ve had only two other full-time jobs (each lasted less than two years) and a few part-time jobs. The oddest one was as a nighttime receptionist at a funeral home. Mainly, I’ve been a stay-at-home mom and wife, and homeschooling mom.
I once knew a pastor who was routinely asked by good-intentioned people how he filled his schedule. It was as if they said to him, “It’s obvious you are busy on Sunday, but what do you do with all that free time the rest of the week?” He and I would laugh about this as there were always more ministry opportunities than available time. In the spirit of only seeing the tip of the iceberg, here’s a breakdown of some of the responsibilities I oversee. I have grouped them into my ministry M.A.P. (Missions, Administration, Pastoral ministry).
