After weeks ... well, really months ... well, really years of planning and working and dreaming, yesterday we dedicated our new church building to God and to His service. It was a busy weekend, full of reunions with friends and family who have moved away, laughter about old times, tears about old times, and tears about times to come. Lots of crying ... but most celebrations are somewhat incomplete without tears being shed.
We had a lot of visitors yesterday and that was awesome, for two reasons. First, it was such a blessing to have so many we know and love there with us to celebrate. My parents were there, Trav and Debbie were there (he preached there for 23 years and is like a 2nd father to Jimmy,) and many other people had their families there with them for services that morning, for lunch, and then for our dedication service that afternoon.
But there was something else awesome about that day. It gave us a sense of what the church here could be. We had 9 babies in our jungle-themed nursery. Our table only holds 8!! There were 24 of us packed into the teen room. We've got to upgrade soon! They had to pull out chairs for services because the 300 they set up were filled.
And the singing. Oh the singing. The songs of a worship service often bring me closer to God than the sermon (no offense, Jeff,) and yesterday was amazing. Here's where I take a second and tell you that Dennis Morgan is incredible at leading worship. I wish he could do it every week. Our songs, our prayers, the words spoken to encourage us, the time around the table - as I sat there in that new, God-given multi-purpose room, I thought, "It can be like this every week!!!" I would love it if 6 months from now, we are already needing to build more classrooms!!! (I don't know if any of our elders read this, but if so, they just ordered a mafia hit on me.)
It was a blessing to be a part of the team that planned the day. But that day is over. And now comes the real work. Construction of a building is a lot easier, and a lot less important than the construction of souls. So now we must forget about carpet colors and light fixtures, and get busy being used as God's tools to build others up. More on that soon ...
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5 comments:
So glad you finally moved in and that you had a great weekend! And yes, that was Aby's dress! Lainey loves it!!!
No offense taken. ;-) I just hope my sermons can inspire, instruct, illuminate, and challenge.
You were more than just part of the team that planned the day. You were our creative guru! It wouldn't have been nearly as good without you.
It was a great day. And I'm glad it's over!
I had 85 people in my class! What a way to end the class!
You have hit the nail with the right hammer. It was not just great, it was fantastic!!
Very moving emotionally and spiritually.
Let the work of the Lord continue thru all of us.
Love Tami
Hey the singing has been great every Sun since we moved in but i want to thank dennis to very moving and upbeat. But hey whats the picking on Jeff I actually stayed awake for both sermons. Thanks to all who attended and take place in the workings in front and behind the scenes. Jim M
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