Last Sunday we celebrated our church plant's one year anniversary! Wow... so hard to believe a year has passed already. I've enjoyed the chance to look back and think of all the ways God has been faithful to us. Faithful to me. My fears, my doubts, my own selfish heart. God has been faithful to meet me and lead me through it all. The northwest valley is home to me now.
Last week we had our Daukas Community Group night. It is one of three our church has right now. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and encouraging one another in God's word. I looked around the room and was struck by the fact that not one of these couples were with us a year ago. The group split a few months ago and is getting large enough to multiply again. All full of people that I didn't even know existed a year ago and now are dear friends! That amazes me.
Chris and I were also marveling at how these days needs arise in the church and before we even have a chance to meet the need, it has already been met by someone else in the church! The people the Lord has added to our number are solid believers who get the Gospel, get evangelism and get living life together. It has far exceeded our expectations!
This past Sunday we celebrated by changing things up a bit. We rolled out a new logo and signs. The Lord brought a couple to our church a few months ago and the husband is a gifted graphic designer. He has been eager to use his gifts to help Grace Church and did an outstanding job with the logo. A new website is also on it's way.
Chris had invited all the past visitors to come back and join us for our 1 yr celebration. MANY came. The Pastor's from our sending church in Gilbert came with their wives. It meant a lot to me to have some of my dear friends come and meet some of my new dear friends and it also gave Chris the opportunity to thank and honor the Gilbert pastoral team for their faith and sacrifice in planting our church.
Chris preached an outstanding message on Ephesians 2. It was clear, compelling and perhaps one of his best of the year. After the meeting we served dinner on the back patio. It turned out to be a beautiful night weather wise! We rented a couple bounce houses and did face painting for the kids. That was a huge hit! People stayed and talked late into the night. Basically till we had to kick them because the Rio Vista was closing :)
Thanks to all for your prayers, support and encouragement to Chris & I. We are so excited to see what year two holds for us all!
2 comments:
It was great to see so many of our newer member reaching out and helping set up, serve and tear down. It was a true family affiar
Wow! It is so amazing to see how God has added to you church family! It is SUCH a blessing to walk a similar path as you at the same time, though our personal experiences may be slightly different. Reading how you serve Chris and the kids and you church encourages me greatly, and often redirects my attention to where it SHOULD be. We love you guys and look forward to watching God's continued work through Grace Church.
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