Bulletin

With Appreciation from the Elders

Even though all the membership forms have not been received or viewed by the elders, we wish to express our appreciation to the congregation for your participation and assistance. We have confidence in you, just as you have expressed confidence in us when you asked us to serve you as elders of the congregation.

It is likely that most of us (especially those of us with a few years behind us) enjoy an old western movie. Many scenarios in old western movies would have a wagon train going west. Someone would be in charge of the drive, but before the trip was over it would be shown that the assistance and cooperation of all were most important. On some occasions the script would call for the most unlikely person in the group providing the necessary insight and support to see the success of the journey.

We know from the Bible that some did not understand their need and support when it came to spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 12–14). Even those considered by some of no value were shown to be most needed (1 Cor. 12:12-31; 14:12). Surely we are aware of how important the function of all of our body parts, and we know when some do not function as we desire. At most services of the congregation we pray for members with special physical needs. If this is true in the physical, should we be concerned with the spiritual?

Most of us are interested in some aspect of sports. When we consider team sports, we know how important it is to have cooperation from each member. There are in team sports special positions to be played. It is possible for a person to be limited in their ability, and it is possible for a person to be able to play a variety of positions. However, it is very important that each position is filled, and that a total effort is exhibited for the team to be successful. It is amusing, and sad at times, that the coach often is blamed when the weakness of the players may be the blame and is often overlooked. In team sports, team cooperation is vital for success.

As elders of the congregation, we want you to know how much we value your input and support for the growth and development of the congregation to the glory of Christ (Eph. 3:20-21).

Your skills and ability are very important to the congregation. If there are abilities you possess and are willing for them to be used to the glory of God, we need to know about it.

Your background information is most important to the ongoing of the congregation. Some of you have been at Orange Street longer than others. Your understanding of the members and history of the congregation can mean so much to the elders as we must make decisions for the good of all. Many of you are related. Your input and assistance cannot be overlooked or ignored. In fact in making decisions, you may be the first to help with decisions and can keep the leadership from doing harm by making poor decisions.

In the elders meetings, the men who have served you longer have so much insight into the thoughts and feelings of members. You need to appreciate that, and to do all you can to lighten their load. We need you, and to the extent that you are willing to help us will be the extent we will be able to better serve you.

We appreciate you for cooperating with the elders by providing us with needed insight to the congregation. We pledge to consider your wisdom in decisions we are asked to make, and will do all we can to explain and justify biblically our every decision.

– the elders