PASTOR'S THOUGHTS

Well, we have finally decided and the work is beginning. The First Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven is kicking off a $200,000 capital funds campaign. Our building has been on this site since 1885 and is slowly sliding to the harbor in Vineyard Haven. Our first step in this project is to stabilize the inside walls, corner posts, and foundational structure. This work needs to be done before a new roof is set on the building. The roof and structure will not support the work of 4 roofers which means it might not take to much snow this winter.

We will be celebrating 225 years of ministry in 2005. This location in our history has been the place of weddings, funerals, prayers, worship, celebrations of our joys and sorrows. In faith we are reaching out and extending ourselves. Paul writes to the church in Ephesus, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Eph. 3:20-21)

Over the last year we have completed restoring the inside of the Parish House, repairing all the rotten wood, replacing all the windows, and repainting the full exterior. We have repainted the Parsonage and rebuilt the parsonage garage. We have expended over $100,000 on these needed repairs.

The church has made a commitment to minister in the future from this location and this cannot be done if we do not make the immediate structural repairs to the church. In faith we trust God will provide and we will give God all the glory and honor.

In Christ's Love,

Roger Spinney

Pastor