One of the milestones we’ve been praying about has to do with a traffic study and installation of a traffic signal. We finally received word from the county that, at least for now, we are not going to be asked to do it! This is really great for us since it represents a significant additional cost.
Let’s take the time to thank God for this development!
Did you miss the Growing in Faith Anniversary Dinner?
We had a great turnout, and a time of food, fun and fellowship! Mike Hannah gave an update of where we are at and what’s next for Growing in Faith. Below is an edited version of the presentation (about 15 minutes long).
If you would like to hear the presentation, you can listen online, or click on the link below to download the MP3 file.
MP3 File
You probably know that churches are exempt from property taxes. But that is only true when the land is actually used for church purposes. Specifically, that means when a building is constructed.
But there is a provision in the law that allows exemptions to be granted once a building is “under construction”. With the recent progress on our property, we believe that we may qualify as being “under construction” and as such, we’ve applied for the exemption. Currently, our church pays $16,000 a year in property taxes. If this exemption is granted, it represents a significant savings! Please pray that the exemption will be granted.
After a record-setting January shortage, February showed good improvement! As you know, every month, as the Growing In Faith giving comes in, an amount is set aside for the monthly mortgage payment, cumulative taxes, project management, association dues, insurance, etc. This amount is approximately $12000.00. The total February GIF giving was 8292.00. That means we were short by over $3700.00. February marks our second consecutive month with a deficit. The good news is that there is a separate amount of money set aside for moving forward with development. The bad news is that we will need to pull from that money to cover the shortage. Let’s pray that God will give us the ability to remain strong in our commitments and that He will bless the finances of our church.February GIF giving $8,292.00Minimum to “pay bills” $12,000.00Difference ($3,708.00)And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.Romans 5:3
One of the milestones we’ve been praying about has to do with a traffic study and installation of a traffic signal. We finally received word from the county that, at least for now, we are not going to be asked to do it! 
You probably know that churches are exempt from property taxes. But that is only true when the land is actually used for church purposes. Specifically, that means when a building is constructed.
After a record-setting January shortage, February showed good improvement! As you know, every month, as the Growing In Faith giving comes in, an amount is set aside for the monthly mortgage payment, cumulative taxes, project management, association dues, insurance, etc. This amount is approximately $12000.00. The total February GIF giving was 8292.00. That means we were short by over $3700.00. 
