Monday, April 28, 2008
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.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
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.
Friday, April 18, 2008
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!
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
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
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