Thoughts from Sunday

What a great morning we had in all 3 campuses! Several times during worship I found myself thinking about the rest of our family spread out over all 3 campuses worshiping together and celebrating God's greatness. It's not hard for my mind to wander as I see people participating & responding in worship in 1 campus to wonder what is transpiring in the other 2 locations. As I see people in front of me being ministered to by Holy Spirit I know by faith that the same is being accomplished in each campus as we come together in unity & expectation.

Several times when we debrief the different services I will hear about how Holy Spirit emphasized the very same aspect of God during worship and I marvel again at how in 3 different locations God is building 1 family. It is an amazing reminder to me that God is building something and as we continue to submit to His leading in obedience & faith we will have the amazing privilege of participating in a work that will touch individuals, families, communities, regions and Nations. I can't possibly think of anything more fulfilling or significant!!

The icing on the cake today was hearing afterward about an individual who responded to Jesus' free gift of grace and accepted Him into their heart. I missed seeing their hand when opportunity was given but I know that God didn't. He never misses one person, and with great compassion and celebration He welcomes another member into His family.

It has been an amazing day and it is not over yet. Tonight we get to gather and discuss 'A Christian Response To Homosexuality' and learn more about how we can follow the example of Jesus. We want to model His example and embrace & accept people, regardless of struggle or sorrow, and treat every individual with love and respect.

10...9....8...7...

The countdown is on and we are just a few days away from the launch of our 3rd campus! On Sunday September 16th we will open the doors of our Gold River campus and it is going to be thrilling. We have a great core to begin with that have a burning passion to reach their community with the message of Jesus and welcome people into His Family and Body.

We believe based on Genesis 28:17 that the local church is the entry point of heaven's reality into our world - 'the house of God the gateway of heaven' so with the launch of our new campus we are anticipating a greater release and realization of Heaven in the community, and surrounding region, of Gold River.

I can just imagine that almost 2000 years ago in different communities and regions groups of believers would gather around the reading of a letter that had been delivered and grow together in God's purposes. Along with this 'letter' local leadership would provide accountability and care as these believers continued their pursuit of Jesus Christ. Now in 2007 with the advent of technology, gatherings of believers are able to gather around a video 'letter' and grow together with a larger family while local leadership provides care and encouragement.

Make sure to check back because I know there will be more updates!