"One in Christ, Reaching Out to Many"
VAPC Vision Statement

As always, the Annual Report of the congregation represents a record and an accounting of our stewardship of the resources that God has placed in our hands over the past year, and in the planning and in the budget for the coming year a faith statement of how we see our life before God stretching out before us.

Among the many wonderful accomplishments over the past year is the completion of our building renovation, something that we have already had a few months to enjoy and to explore in terms of how it will help us grow our program and ministry. It is a project for which we give thanks to God. This has shaped much of our life and work over the past months and years, and in the financial obligation that remains it shapes the budget for the coming year, and will do so in the years to come.

The financial challenge has, and will be, a significant challenge for the congregation. But the building is also a tremendous tool for us to use in our ministry, and for years to come will provide opportunities for ministry and service. As we face the challenges, I encourage you to recall the dreams that led us into this project, and which now become visions that we can accomplish in God's name and to God's glory. Think back to the programs that we envisaged happening in each of the rooms, and for how those are now within our grasp to achieve.

Paul, in the verse above from Philippians, urges the Christians there to fix their minds on the things that are hopeful and life-giving, the things that will build up and encourage: the way in which God has been present with us in the past, and how in the past year or two we have been able to build on the achievements of our forebears in the faith to enlarge our capacity for ministry into the future; the wonderfully improved building which opens the doors for new ways to celebrate how we are "One in Christ," and to equip us for "Reaching Out to Many"; and the capacity God has given us in the abundant gifts present in our congregation to accomplish all that God has in store for us.

I encourage us all to take Paul's words to heart, and with enthusiasm and generosity, focus on all that is good in the life of our congregation, and on how abundantly God has equipped us for what lies before us. By God's grace may we give as we are able from the gifts which the Holy Spirit has given us to build up the church and give strength to its work. And we can move forward in confidence, "that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

In love, Rev. Bob Smith