I am grateful for our diversity as we focus our concern on the world, on the community, and on the congregation. The decision that we made about the Family Life Center has created some special challenges. Some of you are weary of the congregation being in debt, and you should be. Some of you are concerned about stewardship issues, and that is a legitimate concern. Some of you have pragmatic concerns about costs, and those are legitimate.
Different people have different priorities, and each priority is legitimate.
We are concerned about a diversity of needs, and each need is legitimate. In all this, there are some things that I deeply appreciate. I appreciate all the earnest work the elders do to be open with you. Even though we differ on perspectives that reflect deep concerns, our attitude has always been respectful. Because of this respect, our unity is not threatened.