From the Senior Pastor. . .

I love statistics. After all, I love baseball. The two go hand-in-hand.

But when it comes to measuring the "success" of a church, I’ve never found statistics to always be the proper measuring stick.

Having served in a farming/coal mining community, I know several small congregations, whose geographical setting limits the possibility of numerical growth, and it is a constant struggle just to keep open the doors of the church.

But if you were to visit one of these churches you’d find wonderfully warm people, genuinely in love with Jesus, eagerly entering into the worship of their Lord, joyfully embracing opportunities to minister to one another as well as people living in their community.

The reason I’ve taken all this time to warn you about statistics, is because I have some statistics I want to share with you. Many of you have heard these numbers. But perhaps even more of you have not.

These statistics demonstrate God’s gracious decision to bless CPC.

During 2009, giving to the general fund of CPC exceeded budget expectations by nearly $48,000. This would be a matter for rejoicing in a good financial climate. This is a matter that for me, is just overwhelming humbling, in light of present fiscal realities. Praise God from whom all blessings flow

During 2009 our numbers increased by 73. We added 42 new communicate members, plus their twenty non-communicate children. And those who were already members of CPC, adding another eleven non-communicate members to our congregation.

(When a family joins the church, everyone becomes a member. Those who have made a public profession of faith before the elders, are received as communicate members, that is, as members who partake of Holy Communion. Their children, who have not yet made a public profession of faith, are received as non-communicate members of the church, which means that they do not yet partake of the Elements.)

So in 2009 our numbers grew by 73, and our average Morning Worship attendance increased by 8.5%, to right at 500.

As Pastor of CPC, I believe these numbers reflect God’s blessing, for I know many of you love Jesus sincerely, worship the Lord joyfully, and seek to serve Him eagerly, as you minister to others in His Name.

Reflecting upon such statistics, always brings to my mind, almost immediately, the words of Jesus in Luke 12.48, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."

May we prayerfully and diligently seek to hear His voice and follow His lead in both this coming year and decade, until the Lord returns.

Men . . . I encourage you to mark January 29-30 on your calendar. These are the dates for the men’s annual retreat. Dan Steere will be the speaker. Anyone who attended last year’s retreat, will testify to what a great time of encouragement and just plain old fun was had by one and all. The retreat this year will be held at Vesper Point. You’ll find more information and details in the bulletin or Newsletter, as well as online.  

 Pastor Caines