Pastor Duane's 2011 Annual Report
- Pastor Duane Cross
- Jan 30, 2012
Week of January 30, 2012
PASTOR DUANE'S 2011 ANNUAL REPORT
The year 2011 was filled with growth, excitement and challenges. God blessed our church immensely, especially in the area of evangelism! Over 90 youth and adults asked Christ into their lives for the first time. This matters above all else. We celebrated the 25th anniversary of Hope Covenant Church on October 23, with video greetings from past pastors and over 500 attending an old fashioned picnic.
At our Easter service at Tumbleweed Park we saw over 1500 people come to the Easter egg hunt, breakfast and worship service as we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord. In addition, we bid farewell to our Associate Pastor David Hillis as he accepted the call to be the Lead Pastor at Grace Community Church in Tucson. Gratefully, we will welcome Brandon Hovey and his family as Brandon begins his ministry as Associate Pastor in January of 2012.
This annual report marks the 11 1/2 year mark of my ministry as your lead pastor. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving me, accepting me, forgiving me and standing beside me in this most exciting ministry of my life.
Some highlights of what God has done in our church reveals His blessings and activity among us.
Membership and Attendance:
After receiving 20 new members on December 4, we now have 234 (active) and 86 (inactive) members. Our average attendance reported to the Covenant is 427.
Sacraments:
In addition to our monthly services of communion, we saw 23 adults and youth baptized, and 7 infants dedicated.
Prayer:
Prayer continues to be the cornerstone of our ministry. Steve and Lonnie Stewart lead our prayer ministry ("Lifted Hearts") each Tuesday and Jim Blackburn leads our "Altar Team" of 20 people who pray with individuals after each worship service.
Staff Changes:
This year David Hillis accepted a lead pastor position at Grace Community Church in Tucson in June. We were sad to see the Hillis' go, but it is a great opportunity for David. Corrie Gustafson served as Interim Associate Pastor from June -December and did a wonderful job. Brandon Hovey will begin his ministry with us in January of 2012.
Weddings:
I had the privilege of officiating at 8 weddings, 2 renewal of vows and did pre-marital counseling for 10 couples.
Funerals and Memorials:
In 2011 God called home some of His choices and saints: Ed Getz (3-19), Donna Taafe (7-21) and Gordon Keene (7-22). In addition I did 3 other funerals. Peace be to their memories.
Compassion, Mercy and Justice Ministries (CMJM):
In 2011 we have made great progress in our CMJ ministries. "Mending the Soul" led by Cynthia Diehl, AVA led by Yvonne DeVaughn, Human Trafficking led by Jessica Wallace and Joyce Vogt and local ministries led by Karyl Greenlaw and Scott Tonkinson are all under the CMJ umbrella led by Will DeVaughn.
Thanks:
This year more than ever I am grateful for the dedicated people that I serve with at Hope Covenant Church. Our staff, David Hillis (now at Grace), Corrie Gustafson, Scott Tonkinson, Brian Pollard and Barb Ellis are dedicated, godly servants. We will be blessed to add Brandon Hovey on January 1, 2012. I am thankful for each one of them. Our administrative assistants are outstanding. Thanks, to Pat Bahle and Susan Davis. Mike Wolfe serves as our maintenance staff and does an excellent job. To our Board of Elders, Brad Karlberg (chair), Gary Boydston (vice-chair), Andy Cary (secretary), Vicki Reed, Will DeVaughn and Jim Blackburn, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for dedicated leadership and service. Finally, I want to acknowledge my partner in ministry and life, Sheri, for her many gifts and unparalleled commitment to Hope and her unconditional support of me and my ministry.
Ministry in Christ's church is a journey of faith. I want to be significant as a believer, and I want our church to be significant in the Kingdom of God. I am honored to be your leader and pastor. My prayer is that 2012 will bring significance, transformation and uncommon growth for each of you, and our church to the Glory of God!
With joy,
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