Moving Forward in Affirmation and Joy!

Lots on my mind this AM. Not only is it a beautiful morning, but it was an amazing weekend. Saturday evening we met Andrew at the airport - flying in from Italy - and things only got better from there!

Sunday started out with the largest crowd we've ever counted at the Praise Service. There was a lot of noise, much excitement, and a great sense of anticipation moving in to the big congregational meeting between services. We were voting to answer the following question: "Do we move into the financing phase of this new building, pull out the shovels and get going with it - or do we continue to stall...?"

The answer was a resounding, overwhelming, 98.8% YES!!!!

WOW! What a buzz of excitement! We have several hundred thousands of dollars on hand... we have several hundred thousands of dollars pledged, and the congregation have now approved a construction loan to help get things rolling. We break ground in January!

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone..." (1 Peter 2)

So why the opening photograph of Rebekah and Andrew, chomping down on steak? That's easy: We wanted to celebrate, and what could be better than cooking awesome Angus rib-eyes?

Essentially, I have come to believe that life is a feast, an ongoing celebration of love and joy and purpose. Every breath is an affirmation and a renewed commitment!

I can't wait to see what's next, and where this party will take us! Peace, Joy and Thanksgiving - DEREK