Dear Church Family,

Many positive developments have occurred in recent weeks at BUMC. In this week’s e-note, I’ll review a few of them.

• Confirmation got off to a great start. One-hundred sixth graders are participating this year. This is an exciting and important time in their lives as they learn more about their faith. A special thanks to all the adult volunteers who are helping with this year’s Confirmation class.

• Our new Tuesday morning prayer ministry is off to a strong

start. This group gathers together for prayer and worship every Tuesday morning in the sanctuary from 6:30 to 7:00.

• Large numbers of folks are participating in our “Project 3:45” New Testament reading plan. We did hit a technological glitch for those receiving their daily readings through electronic means, and hope to have that solved soon. For more information about reading through the New Testament this year, click here.

• Worship attendance has significantly increased in recent months. For example, we had over 7,500 people at our

Christmas Eve services, which is more than a thousand more than we had last year. And Sunday morning worship attendance is also up considerably. Attendance figures are never the main thing in the life of the church. However, worship attendance is an important sign of congregational health and vitality, so this increase is extremely encouraging.

• In spite of a tough economy, BUMC paid 100% of our 2011 apportionments, which fund United Methodist ministries in Tennessee, the United States, and throughout the world. Our church contributed $1,155,500 in apportionments, which is by far the largest contribution in the Tennessee Conference, which includes over 610 churches. Our apportionments made up 9.3% of the total 2011 income for the Conference.

• BUMC ended the year strongly with our finances. We expected to end the year with a 300 to 400 thousand-dollar deficit. However, the congregation stepped up to the plate in a huge way in December. Our income was over a million dollars. We did have a final year-end deficit of $88,000. However, compared to the expected deficit of 300K to 400K, this is a great victory. Although we continue to face financial challenges, we are on a stronger fiscal basis than we have been in some time. Thank you for your generosity! For your information, our total 2011 income was $6,457,547. Our total ministry expenses were $6,545,624. The shortfall was $88,077, which we covered with reserves.

I could mention many other positive developments, but clearly, exciting things are happening at BUMC. Thank you for your part in making these encouraging things happen.

This weekend, as part of our Ecclesiastes theme, we will have a unique element in our worship services. At the conclusion of the sermon, we will remember our previous pastor Howard Olds,

and listen to a few of his words and one of his favorite songs. I wanted you to be emotionally prepared for this moment. We are doing this with the full blessing and enthusiasm of Howard's wife, Sandy.

Before concluding, I want to mention two important musical service opportunities. If you play an instrument and are interested in joining the BUMC orchestra, please contact Patsy Wade at pwade@bumc.net or 615.324.8216. If you are interested in being a part of the new Gospel Choir at our Awakening service, contact Shannon Garrett at sgarrett@bumc.net or 615.557.7267.

Finally, it was good to receive the following fifteen new members: William Kovach, Smith Meredith, Melissa and Xander Carpenter, Hugh, Lisa and Morgan Gracey, Danny, Heather, Howell and Betsy Wright, Monroe and Pam Wesley, and Bryon and Jennie Hallas. Welcome to our church family.

I hope to see you this weekend for the worship of God and group-life connections. Let’s continue to “Step Up!” in 2012.

In Christ's Love and Service,

Martin