The theme for the recent installation of Dr. Mathew P John as our new Senior Pastor in May was a “New Beginning,” based on Jeremiah 1:19b, “For I am with You and will rescue you declares the Lord.” We believe God is laying the foundation for a new season of ministry at Lake Avenue Church that our community has been carrying out faithfully for the last 125 years. We are excited about the journey ahead.

We want to thank you for your partnership over the last year, particularly for your financial support. Despite significant budget challenges, we are grateful that we have been able to continue so many ministries here and around the globe while providing effective benevolence relief to our neighbors all around Pasadena. People have grown in their relationship with Jesus, those in need have been helped, and God’s word continues to be preached. These are non-negotiables for us, even in tough budget times.

I WANT TO GIVE A FISCAL YEAR-END GIFT

The next fireside chat on August 3, 7 pm to 8 pm, will have a special focus on our staff reorganization and its impact on the next ministry year. Join Pastor Mathew & other church leaders at the fireside chat, where you will have the opportunity to ask them questions before our Summer Congregational Meeting on August 28.

We would like to express our deep gratitude to all who have served our community in various capacities, whether on the Ministry Council, Senior Pastor Search Committee, Division and Ministry Teams, Adult Classes, and so on. So many have given sacrificially of their time and resources to further God’s Kingdom work through Lake Avenue Church.

As we recently told you, significant changes are underway to reduce our operating expenses and align with our projected giving to have a solid financial foundation for the next season. In that vein, as we approach our LAC fiscal year end on August 31, we have identified that we need to receive approximately $645,000 by the end of August to stay on our budget target. Would you consider giving a special extra year-end offering as God has blessed you to help our church reach its budget target? Achieving this goal is an important milestone for us as a community to ensure we continue current plans for moving forward.

Thank you, once again, for your faithful and generous support of our community,

In Christ,

Mathew P. John	Dan Crichton
Senior Pastor	Church Chair