Good morning. It's a warm (well, warm for the December we've been having lately!) and beautiful Saturday morning as I write this email out to all of you at Calvary Church.

As 2013 is coming to a close, I, like most of us are, am looking back at the year that was. It was a tremendous year where God showed his faithfulness to us at Calvary through our weekly pulpit supply and through the nomination and approval of Ron Citlau to be our new Lead Pastor. We weathered ups and downs, and through it all, God was steadfast. God also showed his faithfulness to Calvary through you. We give thanks for your faithful tithing to Calvary Church.

I wanted to remind you that you still have TOMORROW, Sunday, December 29, 2013 and up until Tuesday, December 31, 2013 to contribute an offering to Calvary Church for your yearly 2013 contribution. Per the IRS guidelines for tax deductions, all monies intended for 2013 must be received in 2013.

We are running approximately $52,000.00 behind our expenses to date. Our prayer is that we will cover our shortfall of $52,000.00 and meet our expenses for 2013. We also offer prayers to receive a gift to cover the expenses to build an additional exit from our current property adjacent to 104th Avenue on the south. We would need a gift(s) totaling $47,000.00 to build this second exit onto 104th Avenue, which would reduce traffic congestion.

Tithing reflects a grateful heart that wants to give back to God a portion of what He has given us; in reality, what is already His. Tithing is our opportunity to show God that He is first in our lives. James 1:17 says that "every good and perfect gift is from above," so we have a very real opportunity to tangibly show God that He is the owner of our finances by giving back to Him the first of what He gives us.

Please pray with us about the shortfall and the gifts needed for the second exit. While you pray, please also consider how you might financially give in these coming days to Calvary Church.

While 2013 may be coming to a close, 2014 looks to be a bright and wonderful year for Calvary Church. We are excited to see Pastor Ron Citlau begin his ministry with us in January. It is going to be a remarkable year and we can't wait to see what God does with Calvary in 2014.

As I close this letter, allow me to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a blessed new year FILLED with good health and happiness, and may God be the Glory forever and always. Amen!

In His Name,