Strategic Matters

A few weeks ago, our youngest son, David, was leaving his class in the Frog Pond. He was one of 31 soon-to-be kindergarteners. I remembered back 5 years when our total population of children birth to fifth grade was less than 30 students. In a month or so, 35 third graders will be receiving their Bibles and starting a Bible mentor program with an adult. The Children’s Ministry Team has great things planned for the remainder of the year: The children will be doing the 40 Days in the Word Campaign alongside the adults. They will serve kids in Africa by participating in Operation Christmas Child. They will serve older students and adults at The Water’s Edge by preparing and performing a Christmas musical. I am so grateful for all of the volunteers who serve our children. You are investing in people important to God and people important to many of us. Parents: if you have questions – email nancy@watersedgeomaha.com. She is on our staff to serve you.

I used to be a youth minister. It’s been over 12 years ago. Wednesday night my oldest son, Benjamin, will start youth group! The youth ministry is ready to launch. We have over 30 adult leaders, with about half of them being new, who will mentor and serve our middle and high school students. The youth will also join the adults and kids with the 40 Days in the Word study. If you have a middle and/or high school student and want more information on the weekly gatherings or summer mission trips send an email to chad@watersedgeomaha.com.

This fall WE will have over 25 adult small groups. Many of these are new and others are accepting new people. Small groups are a great way to create new friendships, strengthen existing relationships, connect to God, and apply biblical principles to our lives. Over 75 new people have signed-up for a small group in the last few weeks. All groups will launch the week of September 9th. I encourage you to register for a group on Sunday morning or email jill@watersedgeomaha.com. 

Sunday, August 12th, was one of the great Sundays at The Water’s Edge. Over 350 of us served two nursing homes: The Lighthouse and Good Samaritan; three local ministries: Release Ministries, the Hope Center, and Together Omaha; two elementary schools: Rockwell and Willowdale; a 5K race: the Boxer 500; and at Millard West High School by assembling health and hygiene kits and welcome bags to teachers. We most look like Jesus when we serve. 

Construction on the Ministry Center is progressing well. A dedicated group of workers is making this possible. We are looking at moving in early October. You will also be hearing a lot from the Capital Campaign Team in the weeks and months to come as we seek to fund the Harrison Street property this fall. These are exciting times and I’m grateful to be on this journey with you. 

The best is yet to come… 

Craig