Greetings and grace to each of you,
I trust that all of you had a wonderful Holiday season and you had time to spend with family and friends. This is to encourage every member to join us in carrying out the Vision that God has given us for such a time as this. On December 18, 2022 the leaders of our church met to discuss recovery strategies for the year 2023. It has been a long and difficult journey, navigating through the pandemic phases. Much of what we planned to do over the last three years or so had to be put on hold. After seeking The Lord on how to position us for success in ministry and missional efforts, He has given us the following steps to take at the onset of the New Year. Following the steps will ensure that we maintain a culture of excellence for this and the next generation of believers to come.
First and foremost, our theme for 2023 is “Be Intentional”.
Philippians 2:12-13 says, Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
We believe that God is calling us to intentionally work through our worship services, programmed activities, denominational affiliations, educational activities, community service and fellowship opportunities. It begins with me asking all of you to make in-person worship and Christian education a priority on January 1, 2023. While I appreciate you connecting with us on the streaming platforms, I long for your physical presence when we gather for worship services. I have taken into consideration that for whatever the reasons may be, some are still uncomfortable when it comes to gathering for public worship. Allow me to remind you of what Paul says about how we should present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service. Being honest, I say this with all sensitivity that we go about our lives publicly for secular purposes without much reservation but we have neglected to assemble ourselves together as the manner of some is. Therefore, I am making this plea for us to resolve to come together as a congregation should like never before.
Next, there are ways in which I have been led to help us regain stability in regards to preserving our spiritual legacy. For the first three months of the new year, I am willing to visit your homes for prayer as a means of covering you and yours for the year as well as to encourage active participation in our worship services and upcoming events. You can help me do this by inviting your loved ones over for an evening or afternoon of fellowship and family time. Once scheduled, I will come to the designated location to share what The Lord has put on my heart and pray for your family and invited guests, encouraging them to trust and serve God moving forward. These meetings will be judgement free and no one will be under any compulsion. To schedule this meeting between January 1 through March 31 2023 please call the office at
773-881-4548 (please do not leave me voicemail messages) or email Sharon Stinson sstinson@mtmbc.org. By doing this we hope to reach every family group that extends an invitation by the end of the first quarter. I am excited to join you at your intimate gatherings and have great expectations of the impact this will have on our growth as a church by these intentional efforts to reclaim members and add souls to the kingdom.
Third, as a way of ensuring that our facilities are up to par, I am asking each individual for a $1000.00 First-fruits offering to be given within the first three to four months, January through April, so that we may catch up on much needed renovations, repurposing and repairs to the campus. Our plan is to completely restore our restrooms, kitchen, fellowship area, media equipment, fencing and other projects we have been forced to put on hold as we navigated through a financial storm caused by pandemic related interference. With your commitment, we can have all of the work completed by the end of the second quarter June 30, 2023. There are several ways that we can proportionately meet this obligation. Here are a few examples:
· Some are able to immediately give a contribution of $1000.00
· Some can give four donations of $250.00 over the next three to four months
· Some can give two donations of $500.00 over the next three to four months
· Some can give $125.00 over the next eight weeks
· Some can give $83.33 across the next twelve weeks
However you are led to respond will be much appreciated and long remembered. If you are using an envelope with checks or cash, please specify $1K Seed or First-fruits offering. When using electronic giving options, scroll for the $1K tab and select offering to help us track our progress in this campaign. It is important for us to remember that “if you are willing, God will make you able.” This gift does not negate us giving our tithes and offerings as the Word of God commands but will help to supplement the revenue we’ve lost over the last three years.
As an incentive for your support, this gift will include your Men’s Day, Women’s Day, Church Anniversary and Pastor’s Anniversary pledges along with any ministry assessments normally imposed. If every adult individual would commit to this, we will have more than enough to meet the current demands and to invest in our congregational wealth. Be certain that God will renumerate your gifts back to those who cheerfully give. Check with your ministry leader, RMM, church personnel or me should you need further clarification. I will be monitoring our progress and reporting throughout it effective immediately.
Lastly, in order that we fulfil our purpose in the body of Christ and in the world, we will have an All-Ministry Day Sunday January 29, 2023 11:00 am. Following our worship service, we will showcase each ministry for new members or members who are searching for opportunities to serve the congregation and our community. Refreshments will be offered! I believe this will be a great way to connect with the ministry that best suits you and keep you engaged in Kingdom Building. We will also be exploring the ideas and possibilities of new ministries that will be relevant to our growth and development.
Overall, it is my prayer that 2023 will be one of our best years on record. However, we cannot accomplish this without your support. I hope you receive this Vision in the spirit it has been shared and will help us to carry it out to fulfillment.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Keith B. McGee I
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