A Time of Transition

I don't think what happened Sunday has fully set in yet. I still look back on it as if it was a dream. This morning I got a call from Turner/Batson asking if we were ready to enter into our next phase of work. I took a moment to let that sink in. We have just finished a major chapter in the life of our church and as I look down the road each new chapter just gets bigger and more intense. We are preparing to meet with the local banks to determine the best one to work with through our building process. We are going to be reviewing the site work drawings in the next few weeks with Gonzales Strength our Civil Engineering firm we have hired. We need to sign a contract with Turner/Batson to get the Architectural and Engineering drawings underway that we will use to construct this first phase. We need to meet with three or four contractors in the next few weeks to determine who will build the first phase. There is so much still to do and it just does not slow down. Even though I want some time off to enjoy where we have been I am reminded in a message from Jonathan Axworthy today that the battle is still going around the world with those we love and support. Even when we are tired here in Chelsea because we have taken a "big hill" we cannot rest because Clearwater Community Church is much bigger than what is going on down on Hwy 11. There are missionaries around the world that need us to continue strong and continue our growth so that they can be blessed by the fruit that we bear. I am truly enjoying this time of refreshing as I drink the cool water but rest assured my hand is on my sword and my eyes are moving to and fro in preparation for things to come. There is no other place that I would rather be than here with each of you.

Speechless Wordiness

A "Celebration Sunday" prayer...So long have we anticipated this day...marked it on our calendars...prepared for an encounter with the Holy Spirit. May 4th is now in our rearview mirrors and we'll never be the same. Thank You, Jesus for giving us the opportunity to glimpse your presence and power as we sat peacefully on the blanket of your amazing grace and stood in awe beneath a big oak tree that spread over us like the wings of the Spirit of God. We felt Your breath in the gentle breeze that blew...we sensed Your pleasure in the songs that resonated across the ridge...we bowed in the presence of Your majesty as we offered our gifts to You. You are our inheritance and we are rich not because You give us things, but rather because You give us You. Words fail to describe Sunday's experience and that's perfectly fine with us. We are awed by Your mercy...floored by Your holiness...and speechless before Your higher ways. You are our Savior and we rejoice not because of beautiful weather (though we are grateful) or the generosity of Your people (in a word...humbling)...but because our names are written in heaven and we have eternity to sing the song of the redeemed. We love You...You alone are worthy, Righteous King...so to You alone do we offer this blessing...we bless You, Holy One...we bless You.

Simply Amazing

Wow!

If you've been to the property on Hwy 11, you understand that sentiment. It's beautifully decorated, yet completely maintains its natural setting. Tomorrow morning people will begin to arrive at 6:00AM and all events will begin at 10:00AM. Each of you should arrive at or around 9:00AM. The shuttle service begins at 9:00 from Chelsea high school. Just a reminder that we will be pledging our three-year commitments over and above our regular tithes and offerings as well as bringing a first-fruit offering to lay before the Lord, the Ultimate Giver, as we demonstrate a new level of generosity. Please remember to bring a blanket for the amphitheater seating and lawn chairs for the BBQ eating. The leadership total pledge is $1, 254,500.00...but the students have displayed a level of generosity that humbles me and we have added that to the overall amount. We will announce the total fellowship amount on May 18th at our morning services.

One with You,
Chris

He's a Giver

Once again, the leadership of Clearwater has embraced the bigness of God and displayed His value above all else. We are linking arms together to commit $1,254,500.00 to willingly do what we could never do on our own. It is so humbling. Let me become even more undignified in my worship of the One Who loves and gives (John 3:16). May 4th is our Celebration Sunday and the people of Clearwater will join this initial commitment ...financially ...wholeheartedly ...willingly...and we will begin this journey together...to advance the kingdom of God here on earth...in this community...around the world...'til He comes or calls us home. ..."So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed low and fell prostrate before the Lord...and the King." (v 20). Amen...amen.

Ready

In the morning, we will announce the totals of our leadership gift for the new facilities. Hard to believe this is the final week of this Power of One Campaign. I am so thankful for what God has been teaching me about generosity. I leave this season as a different person...a different husband and father...a different pastor. I know this is not an end...it's a launch...a preparation for the battle that lies ahead. How amazing that God has chosen Clearwater to raise the banner of His love and fight the "good fight" for His glory. The enemy awaits to steal, kill, destroy. But God has steadied my hand...strengthened my resolve...encouraged my spirit. Alongside these co-laborers who have taken up arms, I am honored to press on...and I am ready for the challenge.

For Just Such a Time

Yesterday was an amazing day for me as I witnessed first hand God rushing upon the new property on CR 11 and mercifully utilizing a few servants to leave His indelible fingerprints. If you drive the roads on the land now (we're calling it "Clearwater Parkway"!), you don't fear falling into sink holes! If you want to go to the top of the ridge and...I don't know...yodel...you and your "two-wheel" vehicle can easily make the trek. Thinking about a place to sit and...think? Try the beautiful new au natural amphitheater. It's great for just such occasion to envision... dream... pray...have lunch (and I don't even care if you spill something on the floor).

As we noticed Sunday, Esther arrived in the king's service by way of the Hand of God...alot like a fledgling church being planted beside a Highway in Shelby County. She did something so extraordinary that lives were saved from annhilation...a country was spared...an enemy was utterly defeated...and God was eternally glorified! Is that what lies ahead for the people of Clearwater? It will if we seek to join this mission that He has placed before us. Let's cry out to Him as the people did in Esther's day...praying...fasting...seeking His will. Who knows? We may have come to this location...for just such a time as this. You know what? I'm sure of it!

From Chris

It is with great excitement that I take this opportunity to introduce to you the most challenging endeavor in the nearly three years of our existence. We stand on the precipice of the final stage of planting Clearwater Community Church - the construction of our very first building. As we prepare to break ground at our site on County Road 11 in Pelham, Alabama, we must ensure that we have the financial resources to do so.

The new building will include a worship room, pre-school rooms, children's rooms, kitchen facilities and administrative offices. The estimated cost of the new building is $2,500,000.00. We plan to generate $1,250,000.00 in capital gifts that are above and beyond our regular tithes from this campaign. This will ensure that we are able to take the necessary steps to begin the construction phase of this project. On Sunday, May 4th, our three-year anniversary, we will worship on the new church property and each of us will have the opportunity to bring to God our initial gifts as well as our three-year pledge cards. Then, on Sunday, May 18th, we will announce our total pledge amount for the new building. It will be a very exciting time! Now that I have shared some of the important details pertaining to the construction costs and timeline of this challenge, there is something that my heart desires for us to receive from this campaign that goes far beyond financial success.

My prayer is that God transforms every heart involved in this endeavor. I pray that we become keenly aware of His presence as He deepens our walk with Him. I pray that the spiritual growth that takes place within each person gives thrust to the advancing of His kingdom. I am asking God to allow every member of Clearwater to be a catalyst for the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do. On bended knee, I find this to be my fervent cry…my heart…my passion. Will you join me in this prayer?


One with you,

Chris