by Bishop David Bryan, Suffragan
We are still a very young movement. The vast majority of our congregations are first generation churches that have particular needs as well as missional opportunities in their respective communities. A congregation’s ability to acquire a permanent location and to “place a stake” in their mission field is a very critical indicator of long-term fruitfulness of the congregation, and of our diocese.
Bishop Wood announced at our diocesan Synod last March that we will commence an annual Build Together campaignto help churches of the Diocese of the Carolinas that are making the critical transition into their initial permanent location/building.
The second Sunday of Advent (December 8th this year) is designated as “Build Together Sunday” and churches will have the opportunity to share information (inserts, slides, videos) provided by the diocese with their congregations and receive designated gifts/pledges that Sunday.
The Standing Committee of the Diocese will oversee the development of criteria, administration and distribution of these funds to churches who make appropriate an application and request.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians about congregations helping other congregations:
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, theywill glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! –2 Corinthians 9:11-15
We are stronger together in the Diocese of the Carolinas and this is a tangible and very strategic way we can advance the kingdom of God in the Carolinas.