2009 was a crazy year at Parkview. Actually, every year is crazy at Parkview – the good kind of crazy! For those of us under 75 years old, the recent economic downturn is the worst financial crisis in our nation during our lifetimes. Many people faced financial challenges – as did the church. We held off on some critical hires and cut way back on expenses in order to be good stewards of what God provided. In spite of these challenges, God did some amazing things at Parkview through your faithfulness and generosity. Here are just a few:
RECORD BAPTISMS: 749 people followed Christ in baptism at both campuses during November’s Baptism Weekend, with a total of 975 people baptized in 2009!
RECORD ATTENDANCE: What a blessing to be able to reach so many people for Jesus in 2009!
- Easter Services at both Campuses: 8,617 (a 17% increase)
- Christmas Services at both Campuses: 8,893 (a 12% increase)
- Combined Average Worship Attendance in 2009: 4,727 (a 8% increase)
- Record Non-Holiday Combined Worship Attendance in January, 2010: 6,004
BENEVOLENCE: The Parkview family made a huge difference in the lives of children and families!
- Pack the Backpack: 252 backpacks with school supplies were provided for the children of Parkview single parents, MorningStar Mission, and Elim Christian School.
- Thanksgiving Dinners: Parkview members purchased 220 meals through Angel Food Ministries for Parkview single parents and families needing help, and for Restoration Ministries.
- Christmas Gifts: 276 children from Parkview families had a Merry Christmas because of you!
MISSIONS: 77 Jr. High and High School students reached beyond our walls and served on mission trips in Tennessee, Oklahoma City, and the Czech Republic. Also, $675,000 was given toward fulfilling the Great Commission through local, national, and international missions, as well as starting new churches.
LOCKPORT CAMPUS: Lockport celebrated its first birthday…they’re off to an amazing start! Consider these statistics: First VBS (125 children/107 volunteers); Baptism Weekend (101 people baptized); Christmas Services (647 in attendance, a 31% increase from last year); and the Dennis Lee Children’s Event (200 children in attendance, a 100% increase from last year!).
There’s more where this came from but I promised I would keep this brief! I continue to be amazed at what God is doing in, and through, this place. I don’t know why I am so surprised. He has promised that He will be faithful if we just place our hope in Him. A friend of mine wrote a letter reflecting on the true HOPE that Christ brings:
At this time, the whole HOPE thing gets a lot bigger than the economy and making this month’s mortgage payment. Forgiveness and redemption - Eternal HOPE - trump all my worries on this little orb. This HOPE is built on a foundation that cannot be shaken or even cracked by the forces exerted upon me. Perhaps the outcome of 2010 depends more on where, or in whom, I HOPE than any event - good or bad - that may occur. This is a great lesson for me if I HOPE 2010 will be better.
We have a lot to be thankful for, and I’m really excited about what’s coming in 2010. I am excited and thankful because I know God will be faithful to His mission to reach out to all of those who are not yet connected to His Son.
As I leave you with a benediction of HOPE from our friend, the Roman writer, I’m praying we’ll be faithful and obedient to His call on our lives this year. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
PT
the definition of "hope" to me is PARKVIEW!
don't ever stop doing Tim, what you do so very well, and what God has chosen you to do.
Posted by: Linda | January 24, 2010 at 01:01 PM
We also had baptisms at every service at the Orland Park Campus this past weekend. Praise God for what He is doing at Parkview.
Praise God also for the entire Worship Team, including the techs, who made this past weekend an uplifting experience.
Tim's sermon was right on target...it reminded of a vision I heard someone say, "Imagine you are in Heaven and you look down the big chasm you see some of your friends and relatives--people you had over at your house and you went to theirs--and all of the sudden they look up and say to you...and you knew about this and didn't tell me? What kind of friend are you?"
Posted by: Al Crespo | January 25, 2010 at 03:35 PM
Have you been turned down by other lenders?
Posted by: RamonGustav | September 02, 2010 at 11:51 PM