17 weeks
17 LO-O-O-O-O-NG WEEKS
17 VE-E-E-E-E-E-E-RY LONG WEEKS
It started on June 3rd and ended last Sunday, August 26th. That comes to 17 weeks. If you have been reading my blog then you probably know what I am referring to. If you have joined me since June 3rd, then let me fill you in.
The church I pastor moved into our current building in October of 2010. We knew when we moved in it was too small, but we had plans. In January of 2011 we received some devastating news that changed our picture drastically. But the people just didn’t quit. We banded together and in less than 14 months we had $15k in the Building Fund. Through a long team process, we finally came up with a doable plan for expansion. We renovated the space we had by flip-flopping the adult/children’s area. Long story short? We began meeting for worship at a local SDA church (they use it on Saturday) one mile from our building. They were great hosts, but after spending 6 years putting up and tearing down; then finally having our own building; putting up and tearing down got old.
NO…MORE.
This Sunday we start a new chapter. We will be back in our own building. Yeah, excited is the word. We made the necessary change/move. We traded sides and everyone gains. If you are interested you can see the process here. On the 23rd we are planning a Celebration/Open House/Cookout with an invitation to the community that will include a slide show. I hope we can download it onto the website for you to see.
THE GOOD PART? WE DID IT ALL WITH CASH!!
Keep in mind the church is not the building. We do what we can to always bring that point home. We are not into fancy buildings or entertainment. That is not us (also not an indictment against those who do). We want people to know they matter to God and to us. The building is just one place for that to happen. Would you please pray for us this weekend?
My sermon is David’s “Swan Song of Praise” from 2 Samuel 22. Really cool is that Psalm 18 is almost word for word. My emphasis will be on his attitude through his storm. I’m not going to say much more since we all know what it is like to go through storms. No easy answers. Just focusing on the Answer.
Here is the video I plan to use.
That is awesome, Bill. Excited for your church.
Thanks Larry.
Wow, all debt free – that’s awesome! I think it’s so wonderful to take times like these and celebrate. The temptation is often to move on immediately to the next challenge instead of just spending some time praising God.
We are excited that it is debt free and plan to celebrate before looking forward to what’s next.
How awesome is that? Congrats on being the coach in the process. To have the vision given by God and see Him bring it to reality is one of the best gifts in life!
Praying for you and yours Bill.
Thanks for your prayers Floyd. And I can say with all honesty that it would have happened if not for the whole team. They were awesome to work with.
Congrats dude. So glad this season has come to an end for you.
Thanks Jason. I am too but also know another season will be coming.
Congratulations being back in your building. Must feel good to be settled. Enjoy this weekend and take in the smell the fresh paint and new carpet. Yeah it’s the smell of formaldehyde but it’s still good!
Thanks DJ. Been smelling the smells all along as they have worked. New carpet only on stage. Concrete floor with epoxy. No wonder I am high.
Hi Bill,
It’s awesome that OVCF is moving back into their renovated building. Have a great celebration and thanksgiving to God! Cash is the way to go. Then there is no encumbrance or burden on the people after the fact.
I just read 2 Samuel 22. This is an amazing song from David to God. He was a man after God’s own heart and that’s why God picked him and anointed David in that time and place. God is always looking for a man.
God looked and found Mary and Joseph and then brought forth the Jesus the Christ Child.
Keep speaking scripture passages and portions to the people with your messages. This is what will strengthen and encourage them.
Thanks Linda for you kind words and your prayers. 2 Samuel 22 is an amazing song.
I will pray for you and OVCF for this weekend
Your right, I intended to pray but didn’t say so in my message at 11:58 am.
Bill, I stopped by and read your post this a.m. but did not have any time to leave a comment. I love the passion, the excitement, the joy that comes across in your post about this whole renovation. I am excited for your church.
Thanks Daniel. I plan to share how it went.
That is a great testemony to the folk surrounding you. God will use it to draw folks in and strengthen the faith our your congregation.
God continues to use this latest health issue of my husband to witness to others. They do not see malaria often, some never have so they want to talk to us. He is doing much better but still not completely out of the woods. They are giving him a radial treatment to rid his liver and blood of the parasites. Praise God he has not had a fever in two days, his blood count thought still low is slowly climbing. The enemy of our soul would love to remove my husband but God is not through with Ace yet here on this earth. Ace will remain in the hospital till the his blood is normal. Thank you my brother for your prayers. I will get on your church web site to listen to this Sunday’s message. Blessings
I also believe it is a good testimony to the folks in the community and to our own. Your story of Ace’s time in the hospital reminds me how God can take even ugly events and bring blessing. Thanks for your prayers and hope the message is a balm for you.
A praise, Ace got to come home this afternoon, weak but walking on his own. Now it’s rest and blood test as an outpatient to make sure his blood counts are going up. He is not there yet but oh he has come a long way. Thanks brother for the prayers. Blessings
That is great Betty. Sorry I didn’t get back to this sooner.
Yep, God is going to do awesome things in this renovated building, I do believe some hearts will be renovated!!!! I plan on being there for the open house!
Looking for those renovated hearts.