We are still here

If you know much about our path in ministry, it has had many twist and turns. This past season seems to be much of the same. Just before the pandemic hit, our congregation was growing strong and needing a larger space. Since then, we have received many challenges. Most of these are the unexpected results of the pandemic such as: multiple location changes, the relocation of a large percentage of our congregation and a political environment that manifested itself in facilities rentals. But in the midst of all these things God has been faithful. Now we are seeking to engage with a community that has and is changing.

New Familiar Doors

Some opportunities (such as the food pantry) have finally opened back up as recently as this month. While other endeavors (such as engaging the local arts community) are still some distance off.
In an odd way this bump has helped us clarify the connection between our vision and ministry practices. This is important because the pace of planting can get so hurried that we end up "doing" stuff without a balanced connection to purpose.

But honestly (you guessed it), I want these "old doors" to swing open wide immediately. I want to restart everything yesterday. But God is good and his timing says not yet.

Bridging the Gap

I'll list this in the prayer request. But I am encountering a new social challenge in the area of evangelism. On the one hand I have more opportunities to proclaim Christ to non-believers than before the pandemic. (YEAH!) However, gathering people together for community has proven to be just as difficult for non-christians as it is for those who have professed Christ for years.

Family Update

While the functions of the Church have been a daily zig zagging swirl. Family life has been really sweet. Below is a short list of several highlights.

Last year Heather took steps to reenter education through an assistant teaching position. This step paid off and she is now teaching 8th grade social studies at Mason's middle school.
Chapel is pursuing all things film (Within the past year she has shared screen time with multiple top line actors and is set to be in the theaters in 2023)
Mason is thriving in Cross Country and appears to be in love with Lacrosse. And because we held him back in kindergarten he is now the BIG man on campus :). The banner photo above is outdated. See below for a more recent look at his height.
Cannon is still loving all things soccer and has successfully scored goals in the past four games. Two of which he was the only one to score on his team.
Sorry folks, Chapel is turning 17 this month. So, you are probably all feeling really old. We are beginning the process of college preview days.

Thank you for praying for us and supporting us in this extraordinary adventure. There is NO WAY any of our endeavors could have born fruit without the work of the Holy Spirit through you.
Without your support none of our existing labors could have been accomplished. God has used your hands and feet. Thank you for your friendship and prayers across many seasons.

Gratitude

Honestly, I am preaching through Philippians and have been convicted toward joy. With all the shrapnel of COVID I have found myself often grumbling. But as I read Philippians I am reminded of Paul's joy while in prison. This is not to compare our calling to prison, but to acknowledge that nothing is ever bigger than the gospel. Furthermore, the Kingdom of Christ often (maybe usually) grows in ways we simply cannot measure. One of the greatest gifts I have received in the past season is a deeper knowledge of Philippians 4:12-13 "I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
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. We call it the Triple A prayer: Adequate, Available, Affordable.
Praise - While we will have to change locations 2 more times before the end of the year, we do have a place to go! (seriously, that good)
Praise - We have several families interested in Church membership
For new believers to join our congregation
Pray - For the leadership of Christ Fellowship. That we would be bold and humble. That the challenges of shepherding in a post-covid 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.