Q4 2023 Giving Update
Happy 2024, Life Community!
Would you believe that we’re nearly a month into the new year? I don’t know about you, but I have a feeling that 2024 will be full—full of community, full of hope and full of anticipation.
You play a huge part in that fullness. And, because your part is vital to the health of our church, we send out quarterly updates on our finances so that you’re in the know about what’s going on beyond Sunday services. Without further ado, let’s get into it:
All We Wanted For Christmas Was You (To Come To Church)
Okay, what we really wanted was for God to touch our community in small, heartfelt ways in the midst of the seasonal hustle and bustle. Based on our conversations with many of you as well as our ability to respond to specific needs generously, we believe that wish was granted.
And, as a bonus, you also came to church. 😉
Attendance throughout Q4 continued to increase, up 9% from last year for the same time period. On top of that, giving to the general fund was up 11.5% over last year for Q4, allowing us to continue to maximize our ministry efforts, invest in discipleship, and meet needs in our community. Between your dedicated giving and tight management of spending, we’re on track to be at or below our budgeted spending by the end of this fiscal year.
Of course, our greatest wins and deepest joys were baptizing 3 individuals and leading 20 more in their decision to follow Christ.
More On Christmas …
On December 19th, our outdoor Live Nativity event was moved inside at the very last minute, but our team didn’t skip a beat. We welcomed more than 600 people from our surrounding community and walked them through the Story of Jesus. Our cast, full petting zoo, and light displays were an absolute delight. We’re so proud of everyone who helped and volunteered to make it a success.
In addition, our Christmas offering to benefit The Alliance organization, an advocacy group for children in foster care, soared to $15,494. We can’t thank you enough for being the voice for the voiceless. This is God at work through you.
Celebrating & Praying for Our Mexico Teams
Yes, we said teams. Two of them! Soon, 37 of our church members will be heading down to Mexico to serve alongside Baja Bound, an organization that meets the needs of impoverished locals in and around the agricultural areas of Ensenada. I ask that you pray for our teams as they prepare to embrace and serve the people of Ensenada in February. If you feel led, you can designate an offering for Mexico missions by noting that on your check or select it when you give online.
Twenty-twenty-three was incredible. Twenty-twenty-four will be, too. We can’t wait to experience it—in all its fullness—throughout the coming months.
Thank you for being a part of Life Community Church. I’m so thankful for you and thankful to be your pastor.
Kyle Thomsen & the Life Community Church team