Wednesday Evening Update:
Dear Saddleback Family,
It has been both inspiring and humbling to hear the reports of your instant and overwhelming response to this week's News & Views. Thanks so much for all your encouraging notes and emails! Here's just one:
Sent: Wed. Dec.30, 2009 5:07 PM
To: Rick Warren
I was just standing above the Ministry Center entrance with tears in my eyes watching people walk up and drop giving envelopes in the door box. I received your email at home at 2:50 pm and it's just amazing watching people come up and drop off giving envelopes so soon after. We have such amazing members in our church! I am so blessed to be a member of Saddleback, and even more privileged and blessed to serve on the staff of such a church as this.
I'll give you a full report this weekend but want to mention two things now:
BACKGROUND: The cause of our financial shortfall was NOT a management issue but simply by the way Christmas occurred in this year's calendar. After 10 packed Christmas services, and with Christmas Day on Friday, many people were out of town or too tired to come back for weekend services, so the unusually low attendance created an unusually low offering. That is understandable.
MEDIA: Because our church attracts a lot of attention, the media will undoubtedly report my letter- but only partially, not telling the whole story. It is likely that none of the positive end-of-the-year reports of your service to the community and none of your amazing accomplishments as a church family in 2009 will be reported. They may get some facts wrong or even misjudge our motivations. I know this is frustrating, but don't let it bother you.
See you this weekend!
Rick Warren
Saddleback Church
Purpose Driven Network
P.E.A.C.E. Coalition
TWITTER @RickWarren |
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