May 2005

“An Onside Kick”

Every fall, an age-old rivalry is once again ready to begin. The Vikings and the Packers will meet on the turf one more time for bragging rights to prove who has the best team and ultimately, in the ongoing border battle, which is the best state. Every great football fan understands the kick-off and the importance and excitement that comes as the referee motions for that game to begin. Many have been waiting all week for the chance to participate, even if it is just cheering. Each feels that somehow by attending or turning on the tube, they help inspire the team on the field to run faster, tackle better and pass with precision.

We, as a church, had the opportunity to attend and participate at a kick-off just a week ago, that I feel has much greater implications than a football game. Yes, even a Viking and Packers game. It was our kick-off for the fundraising for our new building. It was a great evening, with over a hundred attending and enjoying the time together.

We began the evening outside in the footprint of the new addition, singing and praying together. The words "My God is so Big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do" echoed in the pine trees. Then we went immediately to the sanctuary and watched the video of "The Twilight Door". This play was written in 1991, for the fundraising campaign of the newest addition. It walked us through the history of the church from 1888 to 1991. Pastor Rudy King was the Reporter and Bill Krivanek was the Camera Man in the adventure. It was fun to see the adults and children as they were 14 years ago. Only a few of the adults have aged since then.

Following the video, Dan Voronyak, the chairman of the building committee, gave us a glimpse of the progress of the building plans. Although there may be a few more changes, we are getting very close to the final concept. I will look forward to the day when the plans are finalized and the congregation is able to vote on them.

Another exciting part of the evening was the update on the current financial drive. Bill Krivanek told us that to date we have in excess of $176,000 in cash receipts and $120,000 in pledges. Our goal, you remember, is $200,000 in cash and $150,000 in pledges before we can begin to build. It was exciting to see how far God has brought us in a little over a year of fundraising.

Just before we enjoyed the great time of fellowship over ice cream, a significant invitation was given. All were invited to get involved financially and in prayer. Moving forward in this building project is about everyone being involved in this ministry. We know this building is only a ministry tool, but we see the expanded outreach ministry with this tool.

We were excited about the great time at the kick-off. But I have to confess, it was really more of an Onside Kick. You see, when an onside kick is successful, you get the ball back. That is what the kick-off brought home to me. The ball is in our hands. The success of this ministry expansion is not for another team, but for us. I encourage you to get involved at some level, because you will be blessed as you give. Remember as you see the plans, feel free to share your ideas with the member of the Building Committee.

I want to say a special thanks to all who helped make the kick-off a night to be remembered.


Pastor Craig

Members of the Building Committee: Dan Voronyak, Bill Krivanek, Bill Abeler, John Glaser, Bruce Warga, Mel Larson, Vaughn Glasener