Not Patting Ourselves on the Back...Just Awed by God

Robb and I just had our annual church planting assessment.  I must say that we had a great time at our assessment as we were able to celebrate all that God has done this past year.  Last year we moved to Norfolk.  On our last Sunday in Virginia Beach, Robb told everyone that they were not invited to move with us; they needed to be called.  It was bleak at the beginning of the year as we lost a lot of people, went a while without getting paid and found ourselves working three days a week to reno the warehouse which lacked heat. 

Since that time, we did two art shows with the purpose of beginning spiritual conversations with artists and art-lovers in the community and merged our church with another church plant that met three blocks away.  As a result of connections through the art show, it looks like we will be renting our space to writers and artists for various classes and workshops.  Robb may even teach a songwriting workshop through one of the groups.

Symphonic just hired a pastor to a nearby neighborhood that struggles with racial divides, poverty, and literacy problems to just name a few issues.  Josh and Laura will be serving in a missionary-type capacity and will help connect people at Symphonic and other churches to the needs in this area.  I love that during a season of growth the leadership is looking to serve the community and not hiring a pastor to serve us.

Wow!  What a year!

Comments

[Vanessa]

I think that is a cool way to look at it...not invited to move with you, they have to be called. There's definitely a difference. God bless!

[Jessi]

What an amazing year...it's encouraging and gives me hope...cuz our past 'year in planting' was - well, sort of the opposite of yours.

[Lon]

sounds so exciting! I can't wait to plant!

[Terrace Crawford]

Shaula,

I just found your blog online today. I think its cool that you and your husband are serving in the same city as I. I checked out the church's website and its pretty stellar.

//TC//