Year End Letter from Pastor David

 Dear Friend of ACC,
 
2020 is ending, and how different this year turned out to be from what we expected when it began. 
 
Though these past months have been tough, I am thankful to God for how he has worked in and through our congregation. We have seen church members work valiantly to keep us connected through on-line worship services and fellowship gatherings. We have learned to congregate in-person following public health protocols. And we have ministered to our community through hundreds of acts of kindness – delivering food to households in need; tutoring school children on-line; volunteering in a local food pantry; and assisting people with laundry, grocery-shopping, and trips to doctor appointments. We have also learned to pray together better than ever, even though we are meeting by Zoom.
 
Many people are struggling financially this year, so I do not want to pressure you to give if you are unable. (In fact, if you need help, we invite you to contact our diaconate to explore ways we might assist you.) But if you are in a position to give right now, I encourage you to consider ACC in your year-end giving plans. 
 
This year has been hard for our church financially. Many people have given faithfully, and we have been helped by a grant from Redeemer City-to-City and by a government-sponsored PPP loan. But we are still running behind our budget.  So, any extra amount you might give at this time will be a big help. You can find out how to give by clicking here.
 
More than anything, please continue to uphold our church in your prayers. As different members of the congregation come to mind, mention them in prayer to the Lord. These have been difficult times for all of us, and we all need each other’s support. 
 
What is encouraging to know is that God is with us! These hard times will not last forever, but God’s steadfast love will never end. Philippians 1:6 assures us that “he who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” So, hold onto hope. You are not alone!
 
Your brother in Christ,
 
Pastor David Ellis