Celebration Sunday | December 2024

This Sunday's service at Brookside Church wasn't just any regular gathering; we had our special Celebration Sundays, a tradition we've started this year. It’s designed to share with you the progress, the numbers, the testimonies, and the vision. Here's what you need to know:

The People of Brookside

• Faith Declarations: 65 baptisms this year. Each person publicly declaring their faith is a powerful reminder of what we're all about.
• Child Dedications: 27 parents dedicated their children to a life in faith, showcasing the future of our Christian community.
• Membership Growth: Despite trends elsewhere, our membership course saw 23 people join. This means a new commitment to serve, give, and actively participate in our church.

Our Community Impact

• In Q3 alone, we gathered over $40,000 in donations and tangible items for outreach.

• Disaster relief in North Carolina and the Dominican Republic.
• Over 10,000 diapers and 15,000 wipes for those in need.
• Christmas gifts through 260 Salvation Army tags.
• More than 100 families in Fort Wayne received Thanksgiving meals.

Finances for Ministry

Our treasurer, Brandon, shared:

• The accurate Giving: Donations were $53,000 below budget, which is fantastic considering we're very close to ending in the black.
• No Spending Freeze: For the first time in likely ten years, we did not have to put an spending restrictions. This stability allowed us to focus more on opportunities instead of constraints.

Engaging with Newcomers

• Welcome Kits: We've welcomed 123 people this year through our newcomer kits.
• New Believer Kits: An incredible 43 people took home kits to nurture their new faith. That's potentially 43 more lives changed.

Looking Forward

• Eric's Sabbatical: Mark your calendars. Starting in late May, Eric will embark on a 13-week sabbatical. This isn't just a break for Eric; it's an opportunity for Brookside to come together, to surround him and his family in love and prayer, and to continue our spiritual growth and community bonding while he's away.

Your Role

We're not just a growing family; we're a connected community. Here's how you can make an impact:

• Connect: Engage with everyone, not just those you know. Introduce yourself. Be the welcoming face of Brookside.
• Pray: Surround our church leaders, especially during Eric's sabbatical, in ongoing prayer. See your part in Brooke's future not just in the numbers but in the impact we make in people's lives.

In Conclusion

Every number has a name, and every name tells a story of life transformation.

At Brookside, we're not just interested in our financial health; we're committed to growing as a family that serves, reaches out, and embodies Christ's love.