A new year brings opportunity for reflection and setting our sails to catch the wind of the Spirit for what is ahead. We are making some adjustments the first four months of 2019 in order to pursue all that God has for us.

· First-time guests – 1,071 (an average of 20 per week)

· Salvation responses – 257 (does not include rededication)

· Those who attended membership class – 115

· Those who completed ROOTED discipleship groups – 101

It is obvious, God is up to something. We are reaching a lot of people. The challenge is making a connection that will retain those God is leading our way. It is remarkable how many of those coming are new to faith or have not had a significant church experience in life.

In order to increase our effectiveness in connecting with and discipling those who connect with Jesus through our church, we are suspending our Wednesday evening activities while we craft the plan that will take us to the next level. This is not to be seen as a taking away, but rather an adding to.

Family culture has changed. Children’s activities have increased and the ability of families to commit consistently to a Wednesday evening church activity has diminished nationwide.

· School culture has changed. In years past, schools kept Wednesday evenings free for church activities. This is no longer the case. School events are planned year round for sports such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, and softball. It is no longer possible for many of our youth to attend mid-week church services consistently.

· The pace of life has changed. Technology has increased the activity level. Homework for students has increased. Extra-curricular activities have increased.

· Studies of growing churches reveal the most significant vehicle for connecting attenders and discipling one another is a network of small groups. There are no barriers created by time, location or space. Groups can meet in the time that works for the attenders’ schedule and in the location most convenient. Relationships are built and spiritual growth is enhanced. We will be working to provide effective structure and training during the first quarter of 2019 that will open the door wide for all to connect and grow.

Our commitment to discipleship in our relationship with Jesus is strong. We are pursuing the best methods to reach the unreached and influence those we reach through spiritual growth.

· Women’s and Men’s Bible study. This is the area most affected. Our Women’s Bible study has been a consistent strength over the past several years. We do not wish to impact those who are benefitting from this. However, these sessions are seasonal . . . six to eight weeks in the spring and fall with a three to four-week session in the summer. We are not able to keep consistency with the gaps in between seasons. It is our intent to construct a vehicle for discipleship that will expand throughout the year and be available to a broader number of people who are not able to commit to Wednesday evening studies. We will continue with the Women’s study on Tuesday mornings. We will also continue to provide retreats, conferences, and events to gather women and men for spiritual impact.

· Choir rehearsal. This will continue on Wednesday evenings as it is a part of preparation for our Sunday ministry and requires this level of involvement. We will provide childcare for the participants of this rehearsal as needed.

· Youth meetings. In order to provide a gathering point for high school students, the youth meeting will be moving to Sunday evening at 6pm beginning Sunday, January 13. Middle School youth will have a purposeful meeting time during Sunday morning services each week.

· Children’s meetings. Capital Kids does a remarkable job in all services on Sunday morning which will continue to be the primary tool for impacting our children. Our children’s leaders will provide significant resources to disciple children through the week that every family can access.

· Children’s choir. This opportunity is provided seasonally and will continue to meet from 6-7pm beginning in February.

· Prayer meeting. We are committed to a consistent gathering for corporate prayer. We will return to our 6:13 Prayer service the second Wednesday of January and continue on a weekly basis. Without other obligations those evenings, our entire staff will participate in the prayer meeting and we welcome all who can join us on their way home from work. We will provide childcare for 0-4 years of age and encourage parents to bring children over that age into the prayer service which will conclude at 7pm.

· Training leaders. My heart is beating with the desire to gather all the leaders of our church for consistent equipping and encouragement. We will meet the second Sunday evening of each month at 6pm beginning Sunday, January 13. All those who serve are urged to attend. Musicians, choir members, worship leaders, greeters, ushers, children’s workers, small group leaders, Rooted leaders, Celebrate Recovery volunteers, men’s and women’s leaders, and all other areas of ministry. We must all be on the same page and equipped for what God has called us to do.

· Unity of our Capital family. We are experiencing a significant increase of unity among our staff leadership. The more we all unite, the more effective we will be to reach our world. Change always brings an opportunity for questions and complaints. Questions are welcomed and necessary to clarify the vision. Complaints are counterproductive to the call we have as a united family of followers of Jesus.

· Vision is our theme throughout the month of January in our Sunday services. We are believing God for life changing experiences each time we gather. We GATHER to worship, pray, and study the Word. We GROW through small groups, strengthening family relationships, and leadership training. We GO with kindness, generosity, and humility. We can impact our community and beyond with the message of God’s amazing grace.

· YOU ARE LOVED

· YOU BELONG HERE

· JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING

I am excited to journey through life with you! Let’s come together for the most amazing year any of us could imagine.

Believing God for favor over you,

Pastor Rick