Looking Back and Looking Forward

I write this on May 1st. I look out my office window. The skies are grey. It looks cold out probably because it is. The soccer team I coach has only played two games—the rain has taken care of the rest of them. But it’s May 1st and summer will be here soon. Benjamin told me this morning he has 18 days of school left. We’ve had a great stat to 2014 and two-thirds of the year remains.

Worship at The Water's Edge

So Far in 2014

For the first four months of the year, WE have averaged 575 adults and 135 children (fifth grade and under) per weekend. Both these are an increase of 10% from our final 2013 numbers. We have 59 new members so far in 2014 – 47 of those have been by profession of faith. 

In the first third of the year, you have given $229,260, which is an increase of over 18% for the same period last year. Our monthly EFT contributions are now $17,200 per month, which is a 40% increase from last year! It is important to note, as the size of our ministry increases, our generosity will need to increase proportionately. I’m grateful for your generosity. It is a blessing to our church and our community.

Self-Serve

I’m old enough to remember full-service gas stations. Some of you don’t have a clue what I am talking about. Others of you smile and remember days gone by. Summer can be a time for vacations, baseball games, and weekend excursions. I also pray summer is a time of growth for you. We are all responsible for our own spiritual growth. In June, we are going to spend five weeks learning how to set time aside for life’s most important things, how to read the Bible, how to pray, and how to grow in community. In addition to our Sunday worship experiences, we will have print and video resources available and unique summer small group opportunities.

WE Garden

Our WE Garden is fenced in, irrigated, and ready to be planted. We have 33 total plots and they are sold-out. It’s going to be cool to see new friendships being formed and healthy vegetables being produced.

WE at Night

I encourage you to try out WE at Night. If you have a busy Sunday morning, are returning from out of town, or just want to get some stuff done on Sunday morning – come worship at Palisades Elementary on Sunday evening at 6:00. It’s the same message as Sunday mornings in a more intimate and interactive setting.

Building Team

We will be having a Church Conference after the 10:30 worship experience on Sunday, June 1st. The sole purpose of this meeting will be to approve our Building Team as we take the next steps in transitioning from temporary facilities at Palisades and Millard West to our permanent home at 198th and Harrison. You will hear more about this in coming weeks, but save the date and be in prayer! Exciting times are ahead.

Use us Lord,

Craig