brand new thing
what an amazing day! we had our first worship together as Advent and wow were we surprised at the turnout. a group of us got together yesterday to set up and we were optimistic in our expectations and we set up for 50 folks. all week people kept asking me what we were expecting, and i said i would ben thrilled with 30 people- and that was the honest truth! well at 9:20 this morning it looked like 30 would be a good number after all, but in the next ten minutes the people just started coming, and coming, and coming- we ended up with 101 people- 25 of them kids! i can't even begin to say how humbling it was to stand among this group and to proclaim the promises of our God to them. to administer the sacrament of communion to so many hungry people was almost more than i could handle, to commune my own son, along with many other children continues to floor me. but, the best part about the entire day was the number of folks who were coming back to church for the first time in a long while. one gentleman had stopped going to church when his father passed away- 30 some years ago. another young man and his wife had never been to church, but had come as the result of running into me at the fire-dept meeting. i am so amazed at the way in which God is working in this community. i asked the question today to the group, "this church is needed in this community eh?" and was met with a resounding "yes" while many of the folks were moved to tears just thinking about the community that we can be as church, as a place which points towards the goodness of God, and the light of Christ in a larger community that has many struggles and many hardships. all i can say is thank you God for calling me to this place, at this time, and allowing me to be part of this magnificent ride.
now the challenge really begins- the need for followup with those who came today is crucial to the continuing development of this community. next week again, i think we aim for 50 and rejoice if we are surprised by more. many of the key families will be gone next week so in a sense we will see what we are made of.
in other life-journey stuff....anna's grandfather passed away on thursday very peacefully- word is he had a sip of soup, said "soup is a great way to start your day", and lowered his head- that was it, what a great way to go for a truly great man. and how right he was- though his earthly life was ending, his day was truly just beginning. the funeral is tomorrow, and anna decided not to fly home for it considering she was just there last week. she feels good about the way she said good-bye and was unsure if her very pregnant body could handle the stress of traveling again.
life continues to amaze me....i love it!
if anyone is interested here is a link to a ton of pictures taken today- some are good, some are not that clear, but here they are: Advent LC Pictures
101!!! This is so incredible! YAY! Maybe it's PMS or horomones but i was moved to tears by your description of the day - in a good way of course. I wish I could have been there in person to celebrate with you this experience. My prayers and thoughts continue to be with you as this venture continues to grow and blossom!
My prayers and sympathies go out to you and Anna on the death of Grandpa. What a beautiful way to leave this world and enter the eternal one. Blessings to you both.
Posted by
~moe~ |
10:08 AM
Just awesome...to read your post. I am so happy for you and the people you have been surrounded by!
I looked at all the pictures and the folks look incredible. Your ministry is off to a blessed and great start!
Have fun learning names...Paz
Posted by
Chad K |
7:13 PM
as i said yesterday - there are not words to express the joy i have for you and the people of advent. the expressions on their faces is incredible. i will continue to pray for each of you daily!!!
Posted by
Leland |
8:13 PM
nothing but love and support and prayers coming your way from across the lake. anything we can do, just let us know.
isn't it cool to know that you've arrived somewhere that god intended you to be?
Posted by
kendi |
8:17 PM
That's my question too...How did the second week go? Are you worshipping on Sunday or Saturday?
Posted by
~moe~ |
8:31 AM