President's Annual Report 2007-8

It is always a good time to reflect when the end of a year comes, and as we at Faith Lutheran Church come to the end of the fiscal year 2007/2008 it seems appropriate.  Reflecting back we can see where God was busy in our community and can hopefully see where He is pushing us as a community as we continue “To Let God Lead!”

The refinancing of our mortgage allowed us to engage in capital improvements that not only enhanced the vitality and value of our campus, it helped to ensure the campus would be in good shape for future generations.  This form of Passing on the Faith project was made possible by all of you!  Yes the business, worship/music, and property teams have implemented and followed thru on the process and projects, however it was all of you who said, “Lets do this!”  Our connection to our sister parish in Rwanda is strong!  Not only are we spiritually supporting them with our prayers, we are financially supporting their parish, and helping on an individual basis the education of children and adults!  In the fall of 2008 we are planning on welcoming Pastor Elidard and his son to our community here at Faith Lutheran Church for a visit.

No year can be complete without a challenge, and some personnel changes created a challenge.  The changes actually have been an opportunity to examine and address what will be needed in the future.  Looking to the future, more changes will occur as the first third of life staffing needs to support children/youth/young adult ministry are met.  Our community outreach supporting the Torres Shelter by serving dinner two nights a month reflects the Loving Community we have become.  Worship continues to be the heart of our community, averaging 250 worshippers for all three Sunday morning services.  This is a stable figure that will grow as we continue to grow in our faith, allowing us to witness to more and more people who will encounter Christ as we have, joining our community!  I would encourage all of you to trust God and his shepherds, Peg and Reg along with our church leadership, as we continue to move to where God leads us.

For the past two years it has been my honor to serve as President of your church council.  I am grateful for the experience; it has been a real pleasure serving with committed, opened-minded, and willing people.  Their hard work and your support as a congregation is a witness to God’s love and the work of the Holy Spirit.  It is amazing how the Holy Spirit works through people. Seeing His work through the council and the congregation reflects our strength as a part of the whole body of Christ!  It is a privilege to be part of a Church that gives that witness to the greater Chico community.

My hope and prayer for our future is that we continue to Let God Lead and as we do all of us can become involved in God’s work here at Faith Lutheran Church!  Remember a church is not a building, it is people!  Thanks be to God for all of you!

See you in Church,

Mark Chrisman
Church Council President