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Pastor White's Weekly Notes - Feb. 3, 2010

Posted on Feb 04, 2010

Hello again Camelback family and friends,

It is Wednesday evening (Feb. 3) and there are four great classes going on here at the church.  Nearly 70 people are participating in our new midweek study time.  The classes are: Daniel and Revelation with Steve Salsberry; Relationships 101 (for women) with Dianne White; Wingmen Project (for men) with Larry Chadwick; and Introduction to Adventist Christianity with Luke Skelton.  The evening began with a light supper (soup and salad provided by Steve and Nila Salsberry) from 5:45-6:20.  Then from 6:30-7:30 the four helpful classes took place.  It is not too late for you to participate.  This series will run for eight weeks (seven remaining now) and will be a real boost spiritually for all participants.  Even if you can't attend all, it would be worth your while to check it out.

This Sabbath (Feb. 6) we will celebrate black history month with a special worship service.  It will feature Dr. Clyde Cassimy from the Loma Linda area; also participating in the service Dr. Leonor Johnson, and Robin Kyle with her praise team.  Church begins at 10:50 and Sabbath school classes at 9:30.  Please plan to come with a friend.

Next Sabbath (Feb. 13) Pastor Benjamin Lundquist with speak for church.  He will have something dynamic, meaningful and relevant to share with us.  The following Sabbath (Feb. 20) we will welcome Lincoln Steed, editor of Liberty Magazine.  You won't want to miss his up-to-the-minute presentation for church.  I will speak the final Sabbath of February.           

The annual Youth Valentine Banquet and entertaining evening will be Sabbath evening Feb. 13.  This is a special benefit program for Youth missions.  If you haven't attended before you should give it a try.  The food and service are always great - and there is good music and fun entertainment.  I encourage you to invest a little time and money to support our youth.

At our recent church business meeting (Jan. 25) we voted the annual proposed budget to support the ministries and mission of our Camelback church.  The annual budget is $344,100.  This is a weekly average need of $6,882 (based on 50 weeks).  This is a conservative budget with many fixed costs of operation.  While 2010 is still fresh it is important that we give attention to church operations.  Giving to church budget in 2009 was within $200. of giving to the 2008 budget.  While giving to the budget remained virtually the same for both years; our tithe increased significantly during 2009.  This was a positive outcome during economically difficult times.  Tithe for 2008 was $792,841; and for 2009 it was $865,544.  That is an increase of over $72,000. or about 9%.  Praise God for the faithfulness of this church family.  Tithe is forwarded to the conference to support the Adventist mission in Arizona and worldwide.  The support of our Camelback church is in addition to tithe.  It takes about 4% of income to underwrite the operation of the church.  Please help your church and its mission by giving to church budget on a regular systematic basis.  Thanks for all you do for your church and for your continued support of the Camelback budget.

Member update:  Barbara Sommers had surgery today and is doing well; Joy Teferra had a six-hour surgery yesterday which went very well (she is only 11 mos. old).  Your prayers on her behalf are much appreciated.  Sylvia Hergert will have open-heart surgery mid-February.  Bev Langland is in the hospital in Minnesota.  These are just a few of the requests for our church family.  Remember: The church that prays together stays together.  God bless!

With love,

Pastor Charles