An Important Financial Message from Pastor Craig

December 2008

Dear Friend of BranchCreek,

The economy is on the mind of everyone these days. It dominates the headlines on radio, on television and in the newspaper. I have had many questions and prayer requests from those in our church that are reeling from the news of the last few months. And the news isn't good news. Words like recession, depression, downturn and uncertainty dominate the discussion. Dr. Seuss in "The Cat in the Hat" might have been writing about our present day: "And this mess is so big/And so deep and so tall./We can not pick it up./There is no way at all."

Perhaps right now you are feeling financial stress, fear of the future or even the pain of uncertain economic times. Or maybe you are like so many and you simply don't know what to think! You may be asking, "How will this affect me?" "What will this do to my job?" or "How will this impact my parents or friends?"

The truth is, none of us know the future. But I do know that living our lives by the ups and downs of the market is a very stressful (dare if say, hopeless) way to live.

In times of great uncertainty, we have to break away from the 24-hour news cycles that compete for our attention and focus on the unchanging, the eternal and the solid truths of life.

Here are four TRUTHS every Christian can hold onto regardless of the economic news:

GOD IS IN CONTROL. God is still in charge and He is not shaken by the economic uncertainties of life (or any other uncertainties for that matter). He still offers hope to those who trust in Him.

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe."
- Hebrews 12:28

GOD WILL GIVE YOU PEACE IF YOU CALL ON HIM. Turn off the anxiety-producing news reports and open the Good News of God's Word. Spend some time reading your Bible and praying each day. And remember this promise:

"Give all your worries and cares to God,
for He cares about what happens to you."
- I Peter 5:7

GOD WILL GIVE YOU ALL YOU NEED IF YOU PUT HIM FIRST. While it's tempting to "take control" of our finances when the future is uncertain, let me challenge you to do the opposite. Give control of your finances to God and put Him first. If you do, He will give you all you need.

'God will give you all you need from day to day if you live for Him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern."
- Matthew 6:33

GOD WILL USE YOU MORE IN A TIME OF CRISIS THAN IN CALM. While none of us would have wished for this time of difficulty, there is an opportunity for us, as God's people, to model to the world that our faith is not just for good times. Throughout the ages, it has been during times of crisis that Christianity and God's people have had the most impact. Let me challenge you to:

· Being a person of generosity while everyone else is hoarding (John 3:16);
· Being consistent in faith while others are fearing (2 Timothy 1:7);
· Showing great love and concern for your friends and inviting them with you to our BranchCreek holiday services so they too can find hope
(I Peter 2:12).

I trust that these truths will be an encouragement to you and that they will help encourage strong faith and generosity as you end 2008 and move into the New Year.

Be encouraged,


Pastor Craig
For the staff

PS: On a church family note-we have been very blessed so far this year and I believe the future will be no different. God is in control! It is so wonderful to be part of a leadership team that will not be led by the loss or gain of the Dow but by the unchanging and powerful Lord Jesus Christ. Wherever He leads we will follow, trusting Him as we go.