Hello Everyone – I have the opportunity this week while Pastor is away to communicate to you about the financial ministry in our church. Our church is here to help in these trying times! With fluctuating gas prices, home foreclosures, loss of jobs, and bank closings, we are left to wonder how much more can we withstand.

Managing your personal finances is important; but it will become more important as you prepare to buy a home or make another large purchase in the future. You need to be aware that in finding a job now, most employers conduct a credit check before a decision is made to hire you. Bottom line, your financial health is more important today than ever.

At First Baptist Church and The Church at Pinnacle Hills, we offer help and direction for you. Last December we led all of our Connection Groups through “Finding Freedom.” Finding Freedom is a two-hour course that gets you started with seven basics steps for your personal financial planning. We also offer Financial Peace University classes at both campuses and for those who need immediate financial coaching, we offer help by contacting Kelley Nicholson at 751-3178.

We will once again offer help and direction in the fall with “Finding Freedom.” Listed below are Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps to perhaps get you started thinking about your personal finances.

1. One thousand dollar emergency fund
2. Begin to pay off debt
3. Three to six month expenses in savings
4. Begin to invest in IRAs and pre-tax retirement plans
5. College funding
6. Prepare to pay off your home
7. Build wealth and give!

In the next few days, we will be sharing stories with you from our Connection Group leaders and others who are living the freedom that you can also enjoy.