Reflections From Sunday Evening

Getting ready to watch the Super Bowl. Who would have thought when I sat down with Kelly Niemann to watch Super Bowl I between the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers it would turn into a functional national holiday? It sounds like our church is leaning toward the Cardinals. I'm hoping for a good game and some cool commercials.

Early tomorrow I pick up Alan Herndon and we go to Columbia where the Board of Ordained Ministry will be interviewing candidates for ministry. This is really significant work and I could use your prayers for all of us and especially the candidates.

This past week our building committee met. I'll be sending out a letter to our members soon but for now here is the announcement. We are planning to construct a new kitchen and remodel our existing dining hall. Brian Tolander is working as our project manager. He will be working with the committee and the daily issues of the project. We have hired Tevis Architects (Chris Sams - our very own - they had the best offer!) to develop the plans. We hope to begin construction in late May (pretty aggressive). If all goes well we will finish in late August (even more aggressive).
We will do the project on a cash basis. Everyone will be invited to participate in the project. If the kitchen is something you want to share in, plan to make a gift. We will receive our special miracle offering the weekend of March 28-29, 2009. We are NOT asking for a three-year pledge or anything like that -- just what you'd like to give.

We are committed to not spend any more than we have! No debt will be incurred for this project. It is our belief that you want this done and will step forward to provide what is needed. We will have very clear budget information shortly before the Miracle Weekend. (Once again - pretty aggressive!)

This is our step for 2009. Now let's imagine you give us significantly more than we ask for to do the kitchen/dining hall project! We move to the need for an excellent sound system and improved lighting in the sanctuary. Before much longer we move to a large gathering space with a true "front door!" That is very costly but we'll get to that when the time is right.

For now, we are moving forward. We see this anticipated improvement in the kitchen/dining hall as a sign of Radical Hospitality! Be praying about how you will participate.

One more thing. We finished the "Generations" series today. It was a real joy to hear Pastor Angie preach the word! What a blessing! Next week I'll start a short series on "Developing A Devoted Life." Next week - "Being Devoted to One Another."

I must say, I am one blessed preacher. It is a privilege to be able to work with our staff. We've got some really good preachers keeping this senior pastor on top of the game!

It's been a really good day. I hope you had a good day too.