2nd Birthday

It was our 2nd birthday this morning at The Water's Edge. We celebrated with about 350 adults and 75 children present. We have come a long way in 2 years!

Note: We are having trouble with our audio of the sermon. We usually post it on Sunday. If we are able to post the message, it will happen on Tuesday. Also, hopefully we'll get some pictures up in the near future.

Here is my column from this morning:

It’s hard to believe that we are celebrating our second birthday this morning. How time flies when you are having fun. Since we launched worship on September 10, 2006, Nebraska has a new football coach, most of our houses have dropped in value, gas prices are a lot higher, Sarah Palin has become a household name, people were shot at the Westroads Mall, Amber and I had a baby, AJ has come out with a CD, the war continues in Iraq, and so on and so on.

A lot has changed at The Water’s Edge as well. We have met in three different schools. There are a lot more of us now. We have new small groups and ministry teams. We have collected thousands of pounds of food for the hungry and have given away thousands of bottles of water to the thirsty.

In our short time together we have seen dozens of babies born, dozens of baptisms, and dozens of new members. People have had the opportunities to care for each other and be cared for. People have met new friends and deepened existing friendships. Some of us have struggled in various areas of our lives. Others have flourished in many areas of their lives. Many of us have done a little of both.

The church is about God. It is about God sharing his word, his dreams, and his love to his people. The church is about people as well. You have probably heard me say that people are what are most important to God. The church is God’s people loving God, doing life together, chasing dreams, and serving the world.

I remember back to those second and third weeks at Russell Middle School. I wondered if we were going to make it. We were very small in numbers and had many tired and overworked volunteers. But God kept adding to our numbers. One of the most exciting things for me as a pastor is when people share with me how they are growing in their relationship with God. I have been blessed to hear many of those stories of the past two years.

I can’t wait to see where God has us in two more years and what he is doing through us. I am excited to deepen existing friendships I have with many of you, develop friendships with others, and welcome the new people God will send our way.

In Christ,

Craig

Today's workout:

I managed to squeeze in a run this afternoon with Samantha, at sophomore at Gretna High School. She won her race yesterday and was looking for a workout to help her improve. I enjoy running faster and helping people reach their goals, so here is what we did:

1 mile warm-up
1 mile in 5:50
800 meters jogging
400 meters in 72 seconds
2 minutes rest
400 meters in 72 seconds (uphill and against the wind)
800 meters cool-down

She is a gifted young runner and is as tough as a steak from Denny's. It will be fun watching her compete in the future.