We are T-minus 6 days until the public launch of Redeemer Church. It seems surreal that we are actually launching real-life church services this weekend. We have been gearing up for this day for 2 years, and it's hard to believe that it's finally happening. The Lord has done incredible things since we had our first Bible study meeting in our living room! There has been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears along the way; but there has also been a lot of growth, blessings, and joys...and it has only just begun :)
Our group has been working hard to get things ready for this weekend; we have been gathering resources to make the space at the church our own, and we have spent time on training for kid's ministry, missional community groups, and service teams. We have had 2 pre-launch services {like practice runs or dress rehearsals, if you will}, and we go public on Saturday at 5pm in the Fellowship Hall of First Presbyterian Church in McKinney. You should join us :)
In the midst of the craziness, I had to stop and reflect over how the Lord has chosen to build His church...
It started with a call on Mike's life to be a lead church planter, followed by a call on my life to be his help-mate and a church planter's wife. The Lord led us to McKinney, where we built relationships and opened our home to a Bible study composed of a hodge podge of strangers.
We made it through the "get-to-know-yous," a time change, a format change, a church planting residency, and {by God's grace} only a handful of departures. We saw people meet Jesus for the first time, built deep friendships, served together, and found our identity as Redeemer Church.
We applied for our 501(c)3, connected with Acts 29, and launched our website. We held our first Easter service, had our first Baptism service, hosted our first women's retreat, and started our Faith & Culture series.
The Lord has provided for us every step of the way. We have had faithful and generous supporters, who have walked with us from the beginning, and who have committed to continue walking with us as we start this new chapter in the life of our church. We are so thankful to all of our supporters and partners in the gospel!
While we have a number of people faithfully praying and giving of their financial resources, we also have a number of people giving of their physical resources:
- 50 brand new folding chairs, donated by the Parks Church
- A projector, screen, and a handmade stage, donated by Dennis Wilson
- Sound equipment and expertise, donated by Art Miller
- Pipe and drape, donated by Sam Atkinson's previous employer
- Kid's curriculum, donated by Woodcreek Church
- Kids' check-in kiosk and computers, donated by Mercy Church
And of course, we cannot forget the generosity and welcoming arms of the First Presbyterian Church of McKinney. We are incredibly thankful to everyone that has blessed us with the pieces we have needed to launch services for Redeemer Church. But we give ultimate praise to Jesus for how He has graciously provided for us. He has known all along what we would need, and He has been faithful to provide it.
We are so excited for what He has planned for this local body, this small family that has grown into a church. We continue to covet your prayers in the weeks and months ahead, as we seek to build community and reach McKinney with the gospel.
Praise Him from whom all blessings flow!
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