We are stepping out in faith, trusting God to provide and to do a mighty work for His Kingdom through us at Ballard’s Bridge. God has blessed us tremendously, and we want to be good stewards of His blessings to reach the lost and make disciples.

Quarterly Updates

Ministry Highlights

1. Unity in Jesus Series – A deep dive into Romans 12-15, emphasizing unity within the body of Christ.
2. Christmas Series – Messages of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and Faith prepared hearts for the season.
3. Tree Lighting & Children’s Play – A joyful celebration bringing families together in worship.
4. Cantata – A beautiful presentation of music glorifying God.
5. Praise Ringers – Enhancing worship through handbell ministry.
6. Christmas Eve Service – A meaningful time of reflection on Christ’s birth.
7. Foundations for the Church – Covering essential topics: What is the Bible, the Church, a Pastor, and the Sanctity of Life Sunday, alongside support for the local pregnancy center.
8. Current Sermon Series – Now studying the book of Acts.

Children’s Ministry

1. New teacher rotation in Sunday School, nursery, and Bridge Kids.
2. Providing more avenues of service and using gifts while preventing teacher burnout.
3. Looking forward to – Sunday, February 23 – Associate Pastor of Youth and Children Candidate introduction and testimony during service, followed by a Meet & Greet luncheon. Sunday, March 2 – Congregational vote on the candidate.

Deacon’s Ministry

1. Caring for church members, including:
2. Constructing a wheelchair ramp.
3. General building upkeep.
4. Tree removal.
5. Preparing for a possible new septic system in the old building to accommodate future growth.

Worship Ministry Development

1. Training new worship team leaders to expand service opportunities.
2. Special thanks to Krista and Joyce for their leadership.
3. Emphasizing active participation through congregational singing, Scripture reading, and prayer.
4. Songs are selected based on their scriptural richness, congregational singability, and connection to sermon themes.

A/V Upgrades

1. Expanded A/V desk and added a new computer for slide presentations.
2. Audio recording is now available for sermons.
3. Implementing camera recording so people can watch the sermon and service if they are sick or out of town.
4. Looking to get improved internet as soon as possible to live stream so people can feel more present with us when they are unable to join physically.

Additional Ministries & Events

1. Church Basketball – Encouraging fellowship through sports.
2. Grief Share – Providing support for those experiencing loss.

Website Enhancements

1. Our website now includes a statement of beliefs, Worship service times, Service Opportunities, Leadership and staff details, Sermon archives, Member resources, Online Giving, Church calendar, Text announcements & devotions, Pre-marital counseling resources, Church history, Associate Pastor job description, Online church directory instructions, and more!

Special Thanks

First, to our Search Committee for the Associate Pastor of Youth and Children: Travis Ellis, Jay Hobbs, Allison Hollowell, Holly Hughes, Amber Young, and Jim Taylor. Survey responses were reviewed, resumes collected, and a candidate was interviewed in January. The committee unanimously approved the candidate and recommended him to the deacons, who also approved.

Second to our Budget and Finance Committee: Lionel Bateman, Michael Hare, Courtney Hobbs, Sheri Hare, Ernie Crowther, and Valerie Goodwin, for putting together the proposed budget and our Treasurer (Kim Lohner) for keeping track of all the numbers! Thank you to all who were able to attend the Quarterly Business meeting where we discussed the proposed budget, passed the budget, voted to get more details about new internet service options, and approved the repair of the concrete in front of the sanctuary steps.

Financial Highlights

1. Tithes & Offerings: Up $21,000 in 2024 compared to 2023.
2. Overall Assets: doubled in 2024
3. Missions: gave $27,000 towards a variety of mission organizations and projects. Link to 2025 Budget here.

Thank you for your generosity and sacrificially giving to support sharing the Gospel and making disciples!

For 2025, we stepping out in faith, asking big things of God, and asking big things of our church community! We will need everyone’s prayers and increased financial support to fund these ministries.

Prayerfully consider what God may be leading you toward to help meet our needs. While we are currently very financially sound, to meet this year’s budget our church as a whole needs an additional $1,300 per week to sustain and grow our ministries.

With God’s help, we can achieve this goal! Here are some possible ways this could practically work out based on different levels of ability:

• 5 families increase by $100 per week (14.29 per day, 434 per month, 5200 per year),
• and 10 families increase by $50 per week (7.14 per day, 217 per month, 2600 per year),
• and 15 families increase by $20 per week (2.86 per day, 87 per month, 1040 per year),

— we would reach our goal!

Overall giving may look something like this with 40 families depending on ability:

• 5 families each give $20,000 per year, which equates to $1,667 per month, $385 per week, and $55 per day.
• 10 families contribute $12,000 annually, or $1,000 per month, $231 per week, and $33 per day.
• 15 families give $5,000 per year, which breaks down to $417 per month, $96 per week, and $14 per day.
• 10 families contribute $3,300 annually, amounting to $275 per month, $63 per week, and $9 per day.

— we would reach our goal!

Whether you can give a little or give a lot, give what you can, and God will be glorified!

With our online giving, you can give a one-time amount, or schedule recurring monthly amounts, and zero transaction fees when you select the option to donate “0” to Zeffy, our online giving provider for non-profits. Click here to give online.

We continue to trust in God’s provision as we step forward in faith, seeking to glorify Him in all that we do at Ballard’s Bridge. Thank you for your prayers, service, and faithful giving!