Joy in Stewardship

by Dennis Groff

As an elder, I have the privilege of being the liaison to the finance team, working with them to steward God’s resources given through the faithful, sacrificial members here at Oak hill. We are at the time of year when we are faced with the drafting of a new fiscal year budget. Several weeks ago each ministry coordinator carefully drafted their particular budget for the upcoming year. They were challenged to view each transaction as more than money in and money out, but to consider how each line supports the mission here at Oak Hill of making and growing disciples for the glory of God. Yes, from office supplies to teaching curriculum , to new chairs for fellowship the hall, to discipleship resources, each budget line has a unique role and function in fostering ministry.

From there, James Nixon did a wonderful job compiling the budget draft for the team to review.  He along with Marianne Harnish serve many hours each year, keeping books and providing regular reports.  We are extremely grateful for their time and service, and the knowledge base they bring to the budget.  Know with confidence that our team enjoys getting together to evaluate our role of stewarding your offerings carefully and prayerfully. Once we get all the numbers in order, I take the budget back to the elders who give it a final approval before we present it at our budget hearing.

We are now at the time of the year when we need the congregation’s approval for the next year’s budget. As we consider the need for a full-time Director of Worship and Discipleship position, this budget requires extra faith and extra commitment from the congregation.  We’ve faced times like this before when we wondered how we could make the math work, but God has always provided and we give Him the praise! So , as we enter another season of trusting God’s timing, we as a team invite you to be in prayer for the needs here at Oak Hill. Pray for wisdom to discern needs from wants and how you can be a part of sacrificial giving. 

When Jody and I first started attending Oak Hill in 2021 we came during a capital campaign for a building of our own.  Was it to be Zion or then Mount Hope or somewhere else? God's answer in 2023 was somewhere else.  Our Lord’s timing and provision is always perfect and has been fully on display these past 5 years that we have attended Oak Hill.  I along with each member of the finance team testify to God’s goodness and His sustaining grace. He has been faithful before, He’ll be faithful again.