We have almost completed a year of "Strengthen & Enlarge" based on Isaiah 54:2, "Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes."  This three year campaign has as its purpose to strengthen us spiritually and enlarge the various ministries of Fincastle Baptist Church.  Good news - much has been accomplished during this first year of "Strengthen & Enlarge".  Through the teaching in Sunday School, the multiple Bible studies and discipleship opportunities and the preaching of God?s Word every Sunday morning and Wednesday night, many have been strengthened in their faith.  Our ministries have also enlarged including the addition of a Dental Mobile Unit (which we will officially dedicated on November 15th) and an additional Youth trailer which should arrive this month.  Due to your faithfulness to "Strengthen & Enlarge", $170,324.22 has been received.  This has allowed the Long Range Planning Committee to proceed with hiring an architect and general contractor.  Plans have been developed and are in the process of being submitted to the county for their approval.  An update was given at the church-wide informational/business meeting on Sunday, October 25th.  Now it is time to "Strengthen the Stakes".  This emphasis, which culminates on Christmas Sunday, December 20th has three parts:

Communication Emphasis:

• For the next few Sundays, we will be having "Town Halls" in our Adult Sunday School, Pastor Kevin will be preaching a new sermon series entitled, "Strengthen the Stakes" and we will be taking time during the morning service to inform everyone about our future plans.
• A special Business Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 22nd immediately following the Morning Worship Service to vote on the Long Range Planning Committee?s recommendation as it relates to the construction of the next building phase.

• Based on Isaiah 54:2, a special prayer card will be developed challenging us to pray specifically at 5:42 am and/or pm.
• A church wide prayer walk will be held on Sunday, November 15th at 4:00 pm.

• Our Budget Committee is presently working with the church Leadership, Committee Chairpersons and Ministry Leaders in developing our 2010 Church Budget.
• A special "Strong Stake" offering will be received starting at our Thanksgiving Banquet November 22nd and concluding on Christmas Eve.

As always, if you have additional questions concerning this special "Strengthen the Stakes" emphasis, please do not hesitate to contact the church office or John Burleson (Chairman of the LRPC) and Pat Banks (Chairman of the Finance Committee).

Pastor Kevin