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