August 12, 2026
Dear Grace Family,
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
Amen.
You might recognize these words as the traditional lyrics of the “Doxology”, written back in 1674 and sung by millions of Christians around the world ever since. I cite these lyrics because last week at the Deacons’ meeting (Monday, August 3) we ended our meeting singing the doxology. The word doxology means “words of glory” and it was a very appropriate conclusion to a very special meeting.
I am writing this letter to the Grace Community congregation to provide the latest update on the building project that was approved at a church business meeting on Sunday, July 26. We had our regularly scheduled Deacons’ meeting on Monday, July 27. While we were grateful and excited that the Grace Membership had approved the proposed building project, we were faced with the difficult challenge of determining the right time to begin. Should we sign the contracts immediately and break ground as soon as possible? Or should we wait a few months to monitor the giving/offerings? You might have noticed in the bulletin, which provides weekly budget updates, that as of July 26 we were running a $51,000 deficit, something very unusual for Grace Community Church. While the building addition will be completely paid for from existing funds, there will then be new permanent expenses (utilities, maintenance, insurance, etc) that will become part of future budgets. As always we spent time praying together and asking God for wisdom.
In the following days we learned that the national experts in the construction world are warning that there might possibly be price increases of 10-12% by next Spring. We all know inflation is a constant issue, but not all sectors of the economy are equally affected. In this current cycle, it is expected that due to increasing prices of materials, construction costs might experience higher inflation than other sectors of the economy. If it turns out that way, then waiting until next Spring to start building could add $200,000 or more to the cost of the addition. Now that presents a dilemma. Do we sign the contracts and get started immediately, even though we have a $51,000 budget deficit? Or do we wait until the end of the year to monitor our finances and risk significantly increased construction costs? We committed ourselves to prayer and scheduled another Deacons’ meeting for the following Monday (August 3) to make a decision. Folks, I want to share with you what happened in my thoughts during those days between meetings. As I considered everything, I saw good reasons for waiting. Not only do I not criticize anyone in favor of waiting, I think a good case could be made for taking a “wait and see” approach. On the other hand, I was concerned that if the projections about inflation are even close to accurate, a delay in signing the contracts could create a significant financial hit, which is the last thing we need. “Lord, what should we do?”
For me personally, I had to ask myself if I actually believe what I am preaching in our current series, THE POWER OF A PRAYING CHURCH. Many times, over the years, I have taught that faith is projecting into the future the things that God has showed you in the past. A classic example is the story of the Red Sea in Exodus 14. The people of Israel were in a dangerous place with no immediate means of escape. The Red Sea was in the way of any forward progress, and they were cut off from behind by the approaching army of Pharoah which intended to massacre or re-enslave them. The people of Israel cried out in fear and unbelief (Exodus 14:10-12). What they should have done is recall what God had just showed them in the recent past (the miraculous defeat of Pharoah) and project that into the immediate future. Moses said to them, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will work for you today.” I kept recalling this story in my mind as I prepared for the August 3 meeting. I knew that very seldomly over the years had I needed real faith where Grace finances were concerned because we always made budget and also had healthy cash reserves. But now, with this deficit and facing a decision about the timing, I knew that personally I was facing a Red Sea moment. I believe God put it on my heart to take a step of faith and ignore the deficit. At the same time, I wanted to be careful not to be pushy with the Deacons but to see what God had been doing in their hearts.
During the August 3 meeting I knew the men could tell I was in favor of moving ahead, yet I think they knew they had complete freedom to vote to wait. We truly can maintain unity without unanimity. Well, after the men discussed the options they unanimously voted, “Yes, let’s get started now.” It was only after the vote was taken that someone thought to ask about the offering of the previous day. Had the deficit increased? The only deacon with that information was Josh Denney, and he had barely said a word during the entire meeting (I could not tell what he was thinking). His answer shocked all of us. In one week the deficit had decreased from $51,000 to $5,600. None of us had that information when the vote was taken. I imagine it was difficult for Josh to have kept that information to himself, but he was wise for doing so and it made the results of the vote so very precious! And so we sang, through tears,
Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen.
The contracts have been signed, and all the sub-contractors will still honor the price they bid, even though that was many weeks ago. Folks, we will have a church picnic after the morning service on Sunday, October 4. This is the picnic that was scheduled in June and then postponed because of the extreme heat. Before the picnic begins we will gather on the construction site for prayer and a short ground-breaking ceremony.
Even now let us renew our commitment to participate in and see THE POWER OF A PRAYING CHURCH!
Grace To You,
Pastor Jay