Here is a short video from one of our pastors, Stew, as he talks about life at SCPC this week.
Below is the text from the video.
Welcome to The Pastors’ Post, an update about life at Southern Cross.
This Sunday we have our congregational meeting to endorse the financials for our 2021 Families Pastor, Tim McDonald, and also to look to endorse Eliza Faulkner for an MTS apprenticeship at Southern Cross in 2021-2022.
On Wednesday night, our Committee of Management met for our annual budget meeting which would usually prepare us for our AGM, for early 2021, but the draft budget will provide us figures that will allow us to understand the nature of giving in 2021. And there are some challenges ahead for us as we look to continue in the growth that we keep experiencing at Southern Cross Presbyterian Church.
But before we cast our year towards the budget for 2021 we ought to step back with wonder in the miracle in the way we have rested in our Father’s care throughout COVID in 2020. I was corresponding with Scott and Louise, our treasurer and assistant treasurer, back in May to run some budget forecasts, expecting that by this time this year we would be laying off staff but extraordinarily we will end the year ahead of where we expecting. We were budgeting for a deficit $30,000 but we will end the year with a very small deficit, around $2,000. We thought we would end the year with $94,000 in our account but we will end the year with $122,000 in our account. How good is our Father God!?
But now we lift our eye to the new year and at our COM executive breakfast on Tuesday morning there were some nervous looks as we contemplated the rough numbers for 2021. What will 2021 bring? After 2020 it is anyone’s guess! Except the Father God’s. Across 2021 a challenge lays before us but as we have heard in Galatians the message we have is a priceless one. Saving lives, rescuing people, freeing people. So can I encourage you to consider how you might give to gospel work in 2021.
Finally, on Wednesday this week Bronwyn and I meet with the new acting Principal of Lismore High School. It was a warm and generous meeting and I am excited to say that we are able to return there for Carols on Sunday the 20th of December! Carols is shaping up to be a mini celebration. Celebrating an astonishing year. Celebrating God’s coming to us. Celebrating the song of Christmas, the song of our salvation.
Let me read from Mary’s Song in Luke 1:50-53
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
Thanks for tuning into The Pastors’ Post
