By Didi Bacon

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:3-6 NIV

March 8, 2020, was the last time we gathered for “normal” worship services before the lockdown. At that time of uncertainty, we decided to move to a “pay as we go” spending plan. Our 2020 church budget was suspended. We were not sure what kind of financial challenges we would face and how to proceed in ministry. How the rest of that year unfolded was a confirmation of God’s faithfulness and the faith of our church. Our church family continued to give generously and in many instances “above and beyond.” We were able to do ministry in new ways in fulfilling our mission to make ‘disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey the commands of Jesus. We went small, we went strong, and we went slow. We learned how to add the option to gather digitally as well as gather in person.

“When it comes to money, many people have a spending strategy. Some have an investment strategy. Few have a giving strategy.” – Alan Ahlgrim

With things still uncertain with the virus, we took the same approach with the 2021 budget. A church budget is a spending plan that is guided by our mission. The content of this booklet is a celebration of God’s faithfulness and the faith of the Mount Carmel Church family members. All I can say is Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

“When we give through the church we make Jesus famous. When we give as individuals we make ourselves famous.” – Mark Moore

For 2022, our elders have decided to resume our pre-pandemic practices for budget planning. Our ministry leaders have been charged to put their ministry plans for 2022 into financial terms. The 2022 budget is what we believe God’s Spirit is leading us to do to fulfill our Matthew 28:18-20 mandate. It is a plan that is focused on discipleship, seeking to see Jesus followers make Jesus followers who make Jesus followers in our community. This budget prioritizes equipping Mount Carmel folks to learn and live out scripture, encouraging Mount Carmel members to have the confidence to share their gifts in the faith, and enthusing Mount Carmel people to be courageous in the calling to make disciples.

“God prospers me not to raise my standard of living but to raise my standard of giving.” – Randy Alcorn

So will you join us in 2022 in pursuing this mission? Will you do your part by giving to support this work financially? The church is not about me; it is about we, for Him! That means we need you, and you need us. Without you, we lack the gifts God has given to you to fulfill His mission.

Check out the 2022 budget here

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 NIV