On Sunday, December 15, 2024 after each Sunday morning service we are going to ask those who have committed themselves to be members of our Mount Carmel Christian Church to pledge their support for our 2025 ministry budget. The details of the budget will be provided. I can tell you that the 2025 budget is a 3.9% increase from our 2024 budget that includes big increases in our Discipleship Ministry, our Missions Ministry and our Family Ministry. Like everyone else, we also have increases that are the result of inflation. Our elders have approved a budget that stretches us by faith, but does not strangle us in presumption. I ask that you pledge to support this budget through your faithful generosity. We cannot do ministry without you.
At the same gathering on December 15, we will be confirming three men in their calling to serve as elders. The Bible tells us that elders are to be married men implying that their wives are to be partners in that ministry. That is why I am going to share the names of their wives with you. Three elders up for confirmation from you to serve a three-year term are Shaun (Robin) Anderson, Mark (Peggy) Tucker and Larry (Carolynn) Elliott. Shaun has been serving as shepherd watching over our Operations Ministry. Mark has been serving as shepherd watching over our Student Ministry. Larry had been serving as shepherd watching over our Discipleship Ministry. These are godly men who serve well. They are worthy of the calling. In the pattern of scripture, I ask that you consider fasting and praying on Saturday, December 14, in order to commit them to the Lord.