December 21, 2004

Greetings Friends!

As the Senior Pastor of Innisfil Community Church, let me take this opportunity to say a special "Thank You" to each of you for your prayers, your love and kind words, and your interest in Innisfil Community Church.

Over this past year we have tried to keep you informed with the activities and ministry of the church family through our monthly newsletters. My wonderful wife, Beulah, took over the responsibility of designing and producing our monthly newsletters this year. Thanks to her, those who read the newsletters are very well informed about the church ministries.

We have sensed and experienced a very real spirit of expectation in the church this year. In spite of the pastoral changes, and the current lack of staff, all the varied programs seem to be flourishing. Our Boys and Girls Club has seen a major facelift and renewed format under the volunteer leadership of Pam Running. Our Sunday School, under the volunteer leadership of Jessica Pereira, has just concluded one of the very best Sunday School Concerts ever .. The Black Light Theatre! The junior youth program, "The Gate", led by volunteers Glenda Quinn and Jessica Richmond is making good strides forward.

The Benevolence Outreach - Food Cupboard and Used Clothing operations - has experienced one of the busiest years. Thanks to all those who volunteer in these areas.

It has been a very difficult time finding qualified, and passionate individuals to fill the two full time positions covering the Youth , Music, and Children’s ministries. I hope we will fill these very early in the new year. Please continue to pray for us as we make these important decisions.

The board are presently meeting with consultants to determine the needs relating to future expansion. We have a heart to reach this community for Christ. We don’t want to miss the opportunities that God brings across our path to reach out to, and rescue, young children and teenagers who may be drifting without hope in the community. We want to help build strong families that have a love for God. We look forward to an ever expanding effective ministry to those around us, and in spite of the costs involved, must do the best we can while we have the opportunity.

Thank you once again for your support in 2004. May you find 2005 to be a blessed and prosperous year in every way.

Sincerely,

Rev. Howard Courtney

Senior Pastor