I Love this Place!

I LOVE IT HERE! I'm in love with this area: It's probably the first place that I have served in that I would consider staying for a LONG time. I was thinking about why that is. First, it's a really nice are and even with the 6% sales tax, the cost of living is pretty low (monthly rents for apartments start in the 400's). I think the other reason is that I have had the time to get to know the community and make connections with folks other than folks who will be part of the congregation. In most other communities my first and primary contacts were with the church folk. Since there is no church yet, I have been able to cultivate some other connections. I've switched gyms and am part of a smaller club where the owner really works at building a sense of community among those of us who work out there. Sunday there was a paintball outing, but I couldn't go because of other commitments. I'm also just really comfortable here and feel really at home. People have been fantastic and I'm learning my way around. It's a great area for walking and mornings when I don't go to the gym I take my bike out to ride through the park and along the dike. I really like it here! Things are going well, and next week I'll have the first group meeting of all the folks I have been meeting and telling about the church. It will be a time of informal conversation about the mission and vision of the church and a time for them to ask any question they have. The free pizza should provide an incentive for them to come! Next Friday I also hope to begin weekly Taize services for the students (and faculty) on the two college campuses downtown. I continue to be so thankful to God for calling me to plant a new church in this area, and continue t pray that I woudl be faithful and up to the task. But of course, since it was God who called me here, I need to remind myself that God will provide what I need to accomplish the task. Hasta Luego The search goes on for a music director, but I am confident that God will send the right person at the right time.