Dear Church Family, 

I am so very excited about what is happening here at St. Matthew's! As we have worshiped together this summer, we've seen growth in every way: worship, financial, and energy. And we look forward to our schedule for the rest of the year. I'd like to share some reasons why we are excited. 

First, though, after much prayer and conversation, we feel called to keep our current schedule (Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. and Traditional and INTERSECTION worship at 10:30 a.m.). The reasons above are of primary importance. But here is the main reason why. There are so many people in our community who are not in church and do not know Jesus. We, as church leadership, really believe that our current schedule puts us in the best position to reach as many people as possible.

Here's a quick look at the numbers: Pre-summer, we averaged 268 in worship (not counting Easter). In summer, we've averaged 247, a decline of 7%, which is actually quite good historically for summer. So, our crowd has not been impacted by the combined schedule, and based on anecdotal evidence, it "feels" more full. I think for the vast majority of the church, it "feels” right. In August thus far, we have averaged 275, including having over 200 in a Traditional service for the first time in a long time.

Something really incredible happened with our giving as well.  While we know that giving is not the end-all-be-all of faithfulness, it is a mark of a healthy church.  Pre-summer, we averaged right at $70,000 in giving per month, which breaks down to $16,500 per week. This summer, we averaged $78,000 in giving per month and $17,400 per week. When you add in Weekday's monthly contribution, we totaled $86,000 per month this summer. So giving was up over summer even though our attendance was slightly down. In fact, we were in the black in June, a rarity in any summer month!  

So, based on worship being steady (while feeling "full") and our weekly giving being up, I believe it's best to continue with our current schedule.

Now, I know this is not perfect and will not make everyone happy. But here's what is what I believe is most important to focus on. That "full" feeling on Sunday morning. Doesn't it "feel" better? I think that a full sanctuary is a great welcome to guests who are looking for a new church. I believe this is bared out as well: we had nine new members join us over the summer, and everything I'm hearing from guests is about the energy and welcome they feel at church. And friends, that is what matters the most. How can we impact the community with the good news of Jesus? Keeping our summer schedule throughout the rest of this year is the best way to do just that.

See you this Sunday! 

Peace of Christ, 
Andy