Immanuel Baptist "On the Journey" Articles
December 2, 2004       

Embracing the Challenge

            In 1997 and 1998, the members of Immanuel Baptist Church embraced an ambitious plan for the future. Our first major decision involved creating our North Entrance and connecting the educational building and the sanctuary building. Our second major decision involved the renovation of the sanctuary. In December 1997 on Thursday, as guests were arriving for the Life of Christ in Living Pictures, construction workers with Ray Black & Son were completing the staircase in the North Entrance. In the sanctuary, we were able to maintain the integrity of the sanctuary while achieving needed improvements. Its beauty overwhelmed us as we walked into the renovated sanctuary to worship for the first time on Easter Sunday in 1998.  We have enjoyed the success of these two projects for six years now.
            The total cost of these two projects was approximately $1.5 million. Members of our congregation responded generously to pay for these improvements. Without a capital campaign, we received $550,000.00 for the projects before they were completed. In the fall of 1999, we borrowed $993,075.00 for the project. Our Finance Committee proposed a strategy for retiring this debt in 10 years. This plan involved absorbing $152,431.24 into our budget each year for debt retirement. This plan was implemented beginning with our 2000 budget. During the past 4 years, we have made unbelievable progress in retiring this debt. As of today, 1 December 2004, our loan balance is $365,341.13. With one voice, we should say, “Glory to God!”
            Our building improvements did not cease with these two major projects. In 2002, we renovated the second floor of the education wing creating new educational space and a youth area. This summer and fall, we upgraded the first floor of the educational wing. Some of that work is still going on. These two projects cost approximately $110,000.00. Costs were contained because members of Immanuel committed their time, skills and labor. This year we have placed new roofs on all the buildings. We also absorbed an unexpected cost of $34,000.00 to replace the air conditioning unit on the educational wing.
            As the building improvements required increased financial resources, we continued to pursue with passion our mission. Mission partnerships in Klintsy, Washington, and Eastern Kentucky have flourished. More than 120 of our youth and adults have made mission trips in the last 9 years. The Immanuel Preschool is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and one of the finest in our city with over 90 students. Encore provides needed after-school care and summer activities for families in our community. We are invested in River City Mission, Martha’s Vineyard,  St. Nicholas Clinic, and Paducah Cooperative Ministry. In 2000, we partnered with Habitat for Humanity to build a house at 1123 Monroe.This summer we hosted 9 children from Belarus getting them out of the Chernobyl zone for 6 weeks. As December dawns, the Life of Christ in Living Pictures begins its third decade as our most significant outreach ministry to our region. At this time, we are fully staffed seeking to nurture a vibrant ministry and a viable congregation for the 21st century. With one voice, we should say, “Glory to God!”
            These initiatives require the personal support and the financial assistance of every member of Immanuel Baptist Church. It is through the faithful contributions of our members that these building and mission projects are sustained. As a people of faith, we seek to follow Jesus wherever he leads. In the real world, following Jesus and participating in the work of the kingdom of God require real dollars.
            As we enter into the last month of this year, we face a significant financial challenge. Over the last several years, a pattern of giving has emerged in which we receive approximately 25% of our total budget in November and December of each year. In 2003, we gave over $200,000.00 in the last two months of the year. To meet our projected budget for 2004, we will need to give $167,503.27 in December. Each month in business meeting, we talk about this trend. At times, I feel we have the impression that some unknown generous donor gives this 25%. Yet, in reality, these gifts must come from each member of our congregation.
            As we embrace this challenge, I pray we will each do our part to support financially the ministry and mission of our congregation. We are the continuing incarnation of Christ in the world. Jesus has called us together. The Spirit has inspired our vision for ministry and work of the kingdom of God. Let us be faithful in our giving, so we may be the tools Christ needs for his work. Let us remember that to whom much is given—much is required. In recent years, we have lived out of the conviction that those who sow generously, reap abundantly. Prayerfully consider your sacrifice for the work of God among us. December 2004 will be a test of faith for our congregation. On 31 December 2004, may we, with one voice exclaim, “Glory to God!”jamie
  
Website last updated:  Monday, December 20, 2004                     Website Related Questions/Comments:  Chris Cash-ccash@vci.net

Immanuel Baptist Church  -  3465 Buckner Lane  -  Paducah, KY, 42001  -  270.443.5306  -  www.immanuel-paducah.org