Weekend Reflections

Yesterday I gave the "State of the Church" address. It was much less pomp and circumstance than you might imagine from the name. No one shouted, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the pastor of Severn River Church." No one played Hail To The Chief. BUT, I had a great time. I'm very into disclosure and sharing what lies behind the curtain. I had a very supportive crowd to hear about the great things God did in our church over the last year. The recording can be heard on our website, check it out later this week. Drew (our webmaster) has also asked for the powerpoint which will be available there also to follow along with the presentation. All that said, let me give you some reflections.

• There was a statistic that I didn't share yesterday that I should have shared. Here it is: Last year SRC projected their tithe at $25,000, but gave $46,000. Awesome
• This year our projected tithe is $41,400.
  
• I thought that my method of tithe projection was original, but found out this morning that it is the practice of the Methodists as well. Oh well, I'll have to keep searching for that original thought.
• I was thrilled to see my friend Jesse at church yesterday, I just thought, "Man, you picked the wrong day to come to church here." (The meeting lasted an hour and 45 minutes.)
• I was also thrilled to share our initiatives: Serving, Internships, Location, and Office. And very happy with the responses.
  
• We did a Q+A at the end, and got some great questions throughout the morning. Some people came and asked if I was ok. I replied, "You guys were much easier on me than I would have been. ;-) "
  

I love Severn River Church even more after yesterday. Be Strong and Courageous!

--Ben