Building Project Update - 07.15.08

Dear Shepherd Family,

As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children's children. (Psalm 103:15-17)

God’s Word said it first: “My, how time flies!” Can you believe we are halfway through the year and our 2008 theme of the Signature of Jesus?  Our time here is short, and our duty as Christians is to spend our lives doing the things that matter most to God.  Through our current series on the Passion of Jesus, I hope you are learning more and more about what is important to our Lord— evangelism, discipleship, belief, mercy, salvation, and bearing fruit—and that you have come to know that Shepherd of the Hills Church earnestly desires to reflect these attributes that comprise the signature of Jesus to our city and the world!

We press on with this mission, despite the uncertainty of today’s economy or political arena, because one thing is sure:  The Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children. We want to leave a legacy and Christ’s signature imprinted on this Valley through our Honoring His Name capital campaign and building project, and we want to thank you for joining hands with us to accomplish this goal.

The need is still urgent, but we are very much behind.  We have received pledges of $17,556,841.45 since November 2005, to be given over a 38-month period of time.  We are a little more than            80 percent of the way through our campaign, and there are only six months left to go.  Thus far, we have received $7,671,336.70 with $9,885,504.75 still left to be given.  See graph.  (For up-to-date information on the HHN Capital Campaign, visit www.honoringhisname.com.)

When people made commitments back in 2005, they did so after prayer, listening to the vision of the project, and understanding our need to reach more people for Jesus Christ.  Now is the time to fulfill these commitments. 

With regard to the building project, we are full steam ahead and hoping to break ground within the next 12 to 18 months.  However, much of this is contingent upon receiving all of our pledges on time. So, please take a look at your commitment, and try your best to get your personal giving at least to the 84 percent mark. 

Thank you for your continued support, and please pray that the Lord would fulfill His purposes for and through Shepherd of the Hills.  Let us leave a legacy in this Valley by lifting up the name of Jesus in all that we do!  May God’s love be with you, and His righteousness with your children’s children.

In love,

Dudley C. Rutherford

Senior Pastor