THE FISHERS CHURCH IN 2019

Bulletin Articles

Lanny Smith
12/29/19 - Article

THE FISHERS CHURCH IN 2019

As has been my custom since I began “full-time” work, it is time for my annual review of the past year’s activities. Over the course of a year, it’s easy to forget what has been done; so, I find it helpful for us to see it all in one report. It not only reminds us of what we have done, but also keeps us focused on what is to come.

We had twelve baptisms (Mt.28:19-20): Annah, Brendan, and Carson Schollenbarger; Lance Reutter, Matt Jarvis, Levi Biddle, Ariel Niemeier, Thomas Kmitta, Kathleen Kmitta, Sarah Newton, Alex and Joel Behlmer. There were five restorations (Ac.8:22-24): Jon and Linda Boser; Stephanie McBrady, Harold Brown, and Tanya Coleman- Randolph. Twenty-nine souls joined this local church (Ac.9:26-28): Jon and Linda Boser; Joe and Angie Kmitta; Matt Jarvis, Sheila Harris, Geoff and Beth Hanover; Tesha Galloway, Stephanie McBrady, LaTonya Jordan, Melissa and Aurora DeBerry; John Kmitta, Harold Brown, Delvin and Donna Defoe; Lance Reutter, Brad and Brittni Garrison; Pauline DeBerry, Marvin, Tiye, and Zion Hutcherson; Alex and Joel Behlmer, Sarah Newton, Bud and Karen Britt. On the negative side, four families moved away (Ac.18:27): Joel Boser, the Andersons, the Tad Niemeier family, and the McLaurins. Two souls were marked as unfaithful (Rm.16:17), whom we shall not name here, for the sake of keeping this report positive. And one soul left to be with Jesus: Pauline DeBerry. Overall, we are definitely growing!

Let’s look at some activities we’ve been involved in this past year. Except for the winter months, we continue to have monthly singings at the Nursing Home. During months when the weather is fairer, we also have a monthly men’s class, as well as a ladies’ class. We had two gospel meetings (with Jordan Shouse, and Don Truex), and a summer VBS. We continue to post videos of our sermons on You-Tube, as well as on our website, and on Facebook. We are still supporting two outside preachers: Josh Coles, and Rick Boswell. We were also involved in some benevolent aid to some of our own members who were in need. And, we acquired some new property next door for expansion.

And don’t forget the countless “under the radar” activities: Visits, phone calls, cards, studies, private benevolence, rides to services, technology tweaks, building maintenance and cleaning, worship preparation, and all the devoted class teachers we have! And I am sure that doesn’t even scratch the surface of all the wonderful things you do! Thanks-a-million to all of you! Praise God for your dedication to this church!

This coming year, we plan to press on with our “routine” activities (worship and Bible study), as well as two gospel meetings (Don Wright in the spring and Russ Bowman in the fall), and our summer VBS. We also plan to expand our parking lot and classroom facilities this year.

Since you provide my support (1Cor.9:14), you need to know what your preacher is upto! I teach one sermon and two Bible classes weekly, I write articles for our weekly bulletin, write materials for the “sermon snapshots,” and I have the honor of serving as one of the elders here at Fishers. I also hold a few gospel meetings throughout the year. Last year, I was involved in four gospel meetings: Eastside in Indy; Celina, Tennessee; Burkesville, KY (tent meeting); and Caneyville, KY. In addition to the above, I have several Bible studies by phone, email, and in person.

If I have overlooked something, I’m sorry. Our future looks fantastic! I know God will continue to bless our work! The elders ask for your continued support and involvement, personally, morally, and financially. We look forward to 2020 with great anticipation! We are growing, both numerically and spiritually. With this continued growth comes the need for every member to “step up their game” in terms of participation and punctuality. There is still much to do, so we ask for your cooperation (Hb.13:17). We will keep you informed as we develop new plans and goals. Finally, let us be vigilant in watching for the Devil, for he always seeks to thwart our work (1Pt.5:8-9). Don’t let him use you for his evil purposes! All an all, I believe 2019 was our best year yet. So, I now challenge you to bury that record, and make 2020 even better!

--Lanny Smith