A Fruitful Week and Exciting Summer
This is my favorite time of year. I love summer ministry because it means longer days, fun with family, junior and teen camps, volleyball nights, interns, and a fruitful time of ministry. I find that we are at our best when fellowship is high. The world has a way of grinding you down, of vexing your soul, and being around other Christians has a way of building you back up. It is refreshing.
Last week I met with a few guests that God has brought our way, and several told me, “I love the hymns. I don’t understand why some churches pass out earplugs!” I agree. Our congregational singing emphasis is one way to fight against a culture that tries to trade congregational worship for professional worship, and I don’t think it’s a good trade.
We also had a deacons meeting on Sunday in which we covered a few business-related things (budget, counting teams, etc.), but we spent a lot of time talking about our 2023 “Year of People” emphasis. We will be mailing a letter that should show you who your deacon is now that we have made some changes.
Last Sunday, Bro. Christian led a tech meeting to help the whole team understand how important their ministry is. Not only is it in-reach (sound for live services, livestream for members at home, etc.), but it is increasingly becoming our most important out-reach platform. Many people who visit say they found us online and checked out our livestream before coming. The livestream is often seen before a church tract, so it is crucial that we do a great job.
This season of ministry also means we have summer interns, and Bro. Alex arrived today from Nebraska! Where do you suppose we took him for lunch? That’s right… In-n-Out, of course. I appreciate his humble and eager spirit, and I think it will be a mutually beneficial summer.
Last year’s major project was the sanctuary renovation, and this year, we are not quite as ambitious. We plan on renovating our nursery, adding a private live viewing room for nursing mothers, and moving our camera and livestream gear into the current cry room. This will be multi-phased and will take some time to finish, but in the end, it will be a great update all around.
It has been a good month of ministry, and I am looking forward to the next couple of months, as well.
Pray with me that we can reach souls for Jesus Christ!
-Pastor Ryan