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Size
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There are 565 members with average attendance of 120 in church; 55 in Sunday School.
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Financial Condition
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The church is supported in large by retired persons, generous giving by most members.
Church struggles with finances however is able to meet obligations.
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Quality of Lay Leadership
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Excellent, with a good mix of self-starters and followers.
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History
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Our church, established in the late fifties, is still young with
accomplishments lending towards growth.
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Prejudice
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Being a church in a military town, a diversity in membership brings general acceptance
of people from all walks of life. Prejudice does not restrict our membership and worship.
All creeds, racial backgrounds, and socio-economic groups are accepted for worship.
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Spiritual Life
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The spiritual life of our congregation is evidenced by growth in our increasing numbers
in Worship Service attendance and a recognized increase in individuals seeking spiritual
growth through programs offered within the church and conference.
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Service Programs
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Our membership has an exceptional sensitivity to human needs as evidenced by
our Emergency Fund, Food Pantry, Thrift Shop, nursing home visitation and
support of Mental Health projects in the county.
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Basis for Adding New Members
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St. Matthew's is learning to be an inviting church.
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Reason for Losing Members
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Members are lost due to death and transfer.
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Mission to Community and World
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Mission is evidenced through our out reach through conference and special projects;
hurricane and tsunami relief, participation in district mission trips, support of
Cumberland County Mental Health Center, Samaritan's Purse
project, carrying Communion to shut-ins.
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Forms of Witness
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Expressing God's love by our caring for others through subtle and overt means.
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