Who Knew

There is not much to say about this past season that you don't already know. Organizing and leading a community in a world where people avoid each other is like taking a canoe trip along interstate 20. Functionally challenging :)

In many ways it feels like we are back to square one. Every 5-6 weeks the drawing board is wiped clean.

Timeline

Do you remember the week in early March when COVID flipped the world around? That Thursday, March 12th, Heather, Chapel and I were in New York City celebrating some milestones in Chapel's life. Well, long story short, everything went crazy around us and we came within seconds of getting the last rental car out of LaGuardia (about 5 seconds to be precise). With all the hotel points and reward miles at a loss, we inched our way through the riots in Brooklyn and finally cleared the Staten Island Bridge. Without a destination we slowly navigated our way back south.

Gone was the joint Easter sunrise service. Gone was our Sunday gathering space, Gone was what we thought we knew.

For the next several months we stumbled and fumbled over zoom like everyone. Eventually we took a small step forward and began gathering outside. It did not take long to realize that an outdoor gathering in the south during the August beatdown wont last.

By God's kindness we were connected to a messianic synagogue who was not using their space on Sunday mornings. I had originally viewed the space before the pandemic as a potential gathering spot. But at that time it was too small. However, in COVID land the space became a great fit. The synagogue became home until recently.

The county school board has finally lifted their restriction on space and we have returned to the space we used before the pandemic.

And YES, it has been as crazy and bumpy as you might imagine. But through it all God has still blessed our congregation. We have experienced many losses along the way. Most are pandemic related in some form or fashion.

Canoeing the Mountains

I have recently joined a coaching cohort designed around the shifting environment we all live in. One book we have been reading is "Canoeing the Mountains". The concept is built around Lewis and Clarks' shocking discovery that between them and the Pacific was one unforeseen obstacle, the Rocky Mountains. In many ways their surprise is an excellent illustration of recent times.

Even with these challenges - God is crafting a story full of blessings and surprises. One surprise along the way has been an invitation by city leaders to participate in social and economic planning committees. With all the issues of recent years this an important role for a pastor within the community. By all metrics we are still new on the scene. So these invitations are affirmations of God's working through our community.

By faith we will be installing a second class of officers. This is an important step for our young church. The very idea of electing and installing officers during a season of isolation brings me great encouragement.

Family Update

Most folks reading this update live in a "City School" environment. But in the Atlanta metro area education is a county endeavor. The difference is not typically significant, but in COVID land it brought many new challenges.

Heather has taken an assistants job at a local elementary school
Chapel is pursuing all things film (look for her on the screen in 2022)
Mason is a renaissance man and officially faster than me at track. :(
Cannon is all things soccer and last week we received 2 tickets to watch ATL united.

Each week our schedules look different. Reaching out into a community when all the threads feel undone is a daily challenge. Please pray that as we exit isolation we might experience stability.

Despite all the challenges of COVID. I have more weekly conversations about the gospel and avenues into the community than at any time in the past.

Each person reading this has joined us in ministry across several years. This year Heather and I celebrated 20 years of marriage! WOO HOO! As Heather and I look forward, we want you to know that our existing labors could not be accomplished without you. God has shaped our knowledge of the gospel through your hands and feet. Thank you for your friendship and prayers across many seasons.

Gratitude

Personally, I have been surprised by the generosity of God. As challenging as COVID has been I am extremely humbled with the opportunity to serve the Church. I am growing as a pastor and preacher but have a long way to go. God is at work.

Giving

As you finalize your year end giving, please consider including Christ Fellowship. You can access our giving portal here - http://gatheredbygrace.com/give/

Pray (Praise)

Please pray/praise for:

Pray - We need to find a new space. Any "public use" space in this season might not be available for a long time. Private space is more accessible but extremely expensive.
Praise - We have a space now!
Pray - For the leadership of Christ Fellowship. That we would be bold and humble. That in the challenges of shepherding in a "no contact" world we might remain "Gospel Centered".
Pray for the Oaks - That we might savor Christ and each other in this ever shifting season of ministry.