Fairview Covenant Church

Pastor’s Annual Letter to the Church ~ 2006

Annual Meeting
February 18, 2007

 

 

“Every time I think of you, I give thanks for my God.  I always pray for you, and I make my requests with a heart full of joy because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now.  And I am sure that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on that day when Christ Jesus comes back again.  It is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a very special place in my heart.”  Philippians 1:3-7

 

Those words are so fitting when I look back over the challenging and fruitful year 2006.

 

We have been a church richly blessed by God and through His strength we have accomplished much.  We have also met challenges and times of personal loss but God has seen us through.  The family at Fairview certainly has a special place in my heart and I sincerely look forward to this coming year.  Only God knows what adventures we will face.  Thank you all for being partners in ministry with Dede and me.  A special thanks to those who have given many hours of work in keeping up Fairview’s physical appearance as well as spiritual well-being.  My prayer for 2007 will be that we work even harder to make sure that Fairview Covenant Church is one that is always honoring to our Lord.

 

The following list is just an overview of the many things that have occurred since our last annual meeting, January 29, 2006.

 

v     We had the honor of dedicating Daria Ann Lezer on March 26, and baptizing Matt Vogelegsang on July 9.

v     We were honored to witness the marriage of Mark and Pam Bonneville on October 21

v     We have seen the following people go to be with their Lord during this past year:

o       Ethel Derdoski (Dennis’ mom) ~ May 6

o       Lydia Palmer (John’s mom) ~ June 26

o       Bob Vogelgesang (Mary’s husband) ~ June 29

o       Harry Bockhaus (Mary Torkelson’s dad) ~ August 11

o       Carol Johnson (Gale’s sister) ~ August 13

o       Rollo Royle (Fred’s dad) ~ October 4

v     We are thankful for the joy of new life in our congregation:

o       Sophia Louise Reimer ~ October 9

o       John Isaac Gustafson ~ October 14

o       Cianna Pauline Brooks ~ October 16

v     Through the efforts of many people we are enjoying wonderful improvements in our church:

o       New sound equipment, stage covering, decorations and trac lights for the coffee house

o       New outside sign and lighting

o       New air conditioner

o       The bell rings!!

v     New service opportunities have begun:

o       Sunday evening Bible study

o       Youth group

o       Kids Activities (during the message)

o       Nursery (during Worship hour)

v     We can also be thankful for the continuing ministries of:

o       Coffee house

o       Sunday Worship special music

o       Adult Sunday School

o       Venture Crew

v     Special services during the year included:

o       Death and Dying Seminar and follow up study

o       Teen Challenge

o       Battle of the Bands (Under the Mighty Oaks)

o       Summer “Church in the Park”

v     We welcomed twelve new members during the course of the year and are thankful for the new additions to our congregation:

Mary Vogelgesang                    Michael Bee                            

Matt Vogelgesang                     Lois Fowler

Dennis Derdoski                       Gale Johnson

Diane Derdoski                        Linda Johnson

Jay Lezer                                  Fred Royle

Kerry Lezer                              Shirley Royle

 

Thank you all for an exciting and prosperous year!  And I pray that we will make great strides and honor God during 2007.