A Blessed Christmas Celebration

God just keeps showing up for the Field of Grace ministry, and for whatever reason I continue to be amazed and astounded! Last night I held a Christmas celebration for all the folks who had completed a survey and indicated that they wanted to be kept informed of Field of Grace activities. I mailed out nearly 80 invitations, and by Saturday afternoon I had received confirmation for 78 persons (adults and children) who would be attending. As it turned out, there was also scheduled for last night a snow storm. A number of folks called to see if the event was still on, and the response was "yes." Despite the snow, folks started arriving prior to the 6:30 hor d'oeuvres time and continued to arrive. From a rough count I received, it looks we had approximately 30-35 people in attendance. We played ice breakers, sang songs and generally had a really good time. Many folks expressed their thanks and some indicated that it would be the only Christmas celebration that their family would have. We had fun, folks were able to get to know others who had expressed an interest in the ministry and there was a sense that a community was beginning to from. Some of the interesting stories included a man who had come with his lady friend, not knowing anything really about the church. It turns out that I had met his son when I had the table at the Farmer's Market over the summer and was asking people to complete a survey for me. This young boy came up and wanted to do one, but I told him that he would not be able to put any contact information without his parent's permission. He indicated that he would get permission and return another week. One week when I was not there, he did indeed return and completed the contact information. A number of other occasions, he would visit the table to say "hi." As a result of the information he provided, I sent a Christmas invitation to his father. At the celebration I explained to his father how it had come about for him to be invited the gathering. This man was one of those who was very thankful to have been invited and has been searching for a faith community of which he could be a part. The night was amazing and the catering by the hotel was fabulous. (If you are ever offered the option of having a "mash potato bar" at a catered event do not pass on this incredible opportunity for those who love mashed potatoes--white and sweet!) The food was great, the decorations great and the fellowship between strangers incredible. Throughout the night and into today, I could do nothing but praise God for having provided another event beyond my expectations! People were excited about the Field of Grace ministry and the upcoming opportunities and a number completed the response sheet indicating their interest to participate in the small groups that will begin in the new year. I shared the mission and vision with them and let them know that the birth date for the church is Christmas Eve 2010: This also generated a degree of excitement among the folks. I'm thankful my coach encouraged me to do a Christmas mixer rather than a the small prayer time I was going to offer on Christmas Eve and the small luncheon similar to the Thanksgiving luncheon. And thankful for his advice to have it catered at a nice place. I give praise and thanks to God for continuing to show up and shape this new ministry! This event has definitely tuaght me to think bigger and to expect more from God! Photos will be posted on Facebook by day's end. Hasta Luego.