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It’s here. Our SHINE Ministry Campaign “kickoff Sunday” is finally here. You may have heard and seen many messages leading up to this day of “lighting the way to a brighter future.” In the continued spirit of the Easter season, we shine our lights forth in prayerful hope for what God has in store for our faith community. In particular, the church has voted on five Goals, based on our core values, to provide resources to achieve our ministry goals and continue impacting lives in our church and community. A campaign with a three-year giving period will provide funding needed above and beyond the operating budget.

To provide further understanding of the intent and process of the Ministry Campaign, you have been sent a packet of materials to digest over the next three weeks. Included in the packet is an explanation of “why” a ministry campaign, “historical”perspective, “future” outlook for CtK, and a more in-depth explanation of the goals. In addition there are some pages that will help you understand how you might go about determining your best gift to this campaign and the impact of that gift. You are invited to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to venture courageously as a beacon of hope with a decisive financial commitment to this campaign. A separate Commitment Form for you to complete and turn in by May 11 is also included in the folder of materials. A group of Ambassador CtK members will call to see if you have received the materials and whether you have any questions.

The Ministry Campaign has already been in a “soft kickoff” phase with initial meetings and individual conversations with leaders and committee members across the congregation. Conversations that I had with some of those members were particularly memorable to me and to other team members who did the calling and visits. We learned so much from these conversations and the experiences these folks brought to CtK. We also learned how important this commitment is to furthering the vision for CtK for them and their families. From these experiences, we prayerfully hope for a strong response and commitment during the broader “kickoff” of the Ministry Campaign which includes you and all members of CtK.

When asked during the initial meetings, calls, or visits about which of the projects were most important to our members, they often found it difficult to select one. It seems that all the goals were simultaneously significant, reinforcing that those involved in the goal-setting process were able to successfully capture the values and hopes of our congregational members. We know that you also may have some favorite goals; however, as a comprehensive picture, the fulfillment of these goals will foster a faith experience for those attending CtK and those beyond the walls of CtK, so that all are known and cared for.

You are invited to join in shaping the future of CtK through this campaign. In addition to the art collaboration and daily devotional, another celebratory event taking place as part of the SHINE Ministry Campaign includes a “SHINE” song composed by Ron Olsen, our Kingsmen Choir Director. The song will debut on Sunday, April 27. Last, but not least, we will celebrate Earth Day and the SHINE Ministry Campaign with tee shirts for the first 200 people arriving for church on April 27. At the end of the service, you will be asked to remain for a group photo. With so much going on at the Ministry Campaign “kickoff,” we hope to see you in church on Sunday morning to participate in and celebrate the significance of this day.