I’ve had a pretty obvious theme for most of my articles this year – Change. We continue on that theme for this month. But first I would like to update everyone on some of the things that have occurred over the past year.
At the December 2019 Congregational Meeting two items were voted on and passed by the Congregation:
- The purchase of 3 acres for future expansion of our cemetery
- The capital campaign fund raising drive to update the Sanctuary
Both of these items have been completed. The additional acres have been purchased and this will provide room for expansion for many years to come. I would like to thank the Schroeppels for their legal services to help make this happen. Of course, the Sanctuary project was completed and it looks great. Thank you to all of the volunteers and staff who helped move pews, tear up carpet, sand window trim and door frames and dozens of other tasks.
More recently we were able to update our audio/visual tech equipment and now have live streaming of the Sunday worship. Now those who cannot attend in person can watch a live service at home. Just one way we continue to try to bring the spiritual home of Zion’s members a little closer – even if they can’t be there in person.
One change I’m happy to see is the growing number of members who are coming to in-person services on Sunday. Just a few months ago we might have seen a little over 100 people combined between the two services. Now, with Sunday school and confirmation back in full swing, we are steadily seeing over 300 people on Sunday. While that isn’t pre-COVID attendance it is a positive trend. Hopefully we will be able to continue that trend into 2022.
It’s been an honor to serve as Council President this year. At the January 2022 meeting the Council will be electing new officers. I have one more year of my term on the Council so I’m looking forward to seeing the results of the work Pastor Bahe is doing with the Transition Team and how that will give the Senior Pastor Call Committee some strong direction next year in their search for a new Senior Pastor. As always, your thoughts, concerns, and questions are always welcome. You can contact the council via email at council@zionbuffalo.org.
