Therefore, I am acutely aware of the importance to be attentive to the leading of the Spirit of God. Your support over the last year has been a blessing and I am grateful for your many encouraging and thoughtful words and connections throughout the year.
Last year we saw a return to life as we knew before COVID and our church attendance consistently grew as the months went on. Ministries were able to offer more programs and in-person connections again. Please read their reports to hear about how God has been faithful and good here at CrossRoads and in Central Alberta and beyond. We are currently running about 70% attendance versus pre-Covid numbers, and yet our financial picture has been significantly stronger and is running at a much greater ratio than attendance, which allows us to meet our commitments and provide effective ministry.
Staffing
I am so incredibly thankful for the committed, hard-working and dedicated staff. This past year we welcomed Luke Dutchak, Hannah Blomgren and Kennady Vander Leek to the facilities team. Unfortunately, Kennady chose to leave after a short while to pursue her schooling and we wish her much success. We also welcomed Heidi Rew, Robyn Friesen and Chris Moellenbeck in ministry support roles. All have been such great additions to our team and serve God daily through their contributions here on staff.
Pam Halvorson, who has worked here on staff, in many roles most recently as the ministry assistant in Hope Ministries, for over twenty years retired at the end of April. We are excited for her and Glenn and they move into this next season of life and we know that God has great plans for them both. She will be greatly missed on staff her love for serving God, assisting others in their time of need, infectious laugh and sense of humor are a testament to her character and servant-heart.
Please continue to pray for our pastors and staff, that we would be constantly seeking after the heart of God in all that we do here at CrossRoads.
I would ask you to be faithful in encouraging them and lifting them up before the Lord. They labour hard for you and consistently go above and beyond expectations.
Finances
The giving over the fiscal year has been consistent with the previous years overall with a slight increase. Because of your generosity, we were able to offer our staff a cost of living increase in October 2022. As we moved out of Covid and began to return to regular ministry activities, we have managed our expenses accordingly and anticipate a balanced statement at year end.
The budget for the next fiscal year will be a higher than the current year, mainly due the increased costs for tools and resources, much due to inflation.
Senior Pastor Search
This dedicated team has been spending many hours listening to and discerning through sermons, seeking the Lord’s guidance on who may be potential candidates to replace Dan. As we continue our search we would be remiss not to mention how grateful and appreciative we are to Dan for all his dedicated and hard work leading our church over the last twenty-five years. He is leaving some big shoes to fill, but we are confident in God’s plan for us as we move into 2024. We wish Dan and Ginny much joy and happiness as they began this new season of life. They have both served God well here at CrossRoads Church and will be greatly missed.
Worship Pastor Search
The Worship Pastor Search Committee has been continuing to promote the position through current ministry job board postings as well as networking through churches and personal connections to keep the search active. We are confident that in God’s timing, He will provide the right person for the role. In the meantime, Dave Grobe is doing a fantastic job leading the ministry, with the support of Ashley Lehman and others on the worship team. We are very grateful for how they have all stepped up to the challenge.
Final Thoughts:
I would like to end by thanking you for your continued prayers, love and support for me and my wife Kathleen. We value you, our CrossRoads family, and feel blessed to do life with you. I ask for your prayers and encouragement as we move forward with both the search to replace Dan at the end of this year and for a new worship pastor. This year has not been without its challenges, but through it all you have been faithful and committed to the work CrossRoads is doing here is Red Deer, Central Alberta and around the world. Thank you!
