Good question, huh?

I can tell where you where I’ve seen Him lately.  He’s been moving through our “4 G’s” at St. Luke:

1) GATHER.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but wasn’t this the first weekend in our local school district’s Spring Break?  There were almost 700 people worshipping this weekend at St. Luke.  No baptisms (added guests).  No choir at our traditional worship.  I’ve seen God gathering His people to worship Him.  In 2006, we had about 430 people gather on the same weekend.  Thanks for being faithful worshippers, St. Luke!

2) GROW. If you would have told me that our winter Alpha course would have over 50 registrations and need 12 leaders, I would have probably laughed at you.  Well, I’m laughing!  I’ve seen God stirring a hunger in us to grow in faith.

3) GIVE. I benchmark with a lot of churches and their pastors.  These are tough economic times.  Churches are struggling.  Yet, 2008 was St. Luke’s best giving year in her history.  This year, we continue to give faithfully and we are in the black.  This “G” isn’t just about money.  We asked for 90 volunteers to sign up to go to “Feed My Starving Children,” and 107 showed up!  I’ve seen God calling us to give of ourselves and our financial gifts to build His Kingdom.

4) GO. You are spreading the word, St. Luke! You are inviting your friends and neighbors to “come and see!”  Every weekend, and I mean every, I meet a new face.  Someone has invited them to worship.  Someone has told them about a missione event.  Someone has invited them to their Small Group.  I have seen God using you to reach people outside of a faith community.  Keep it up, St. Luke!

GATHER, GROW, GIVE & GO - Oh, yes, I’ve seen God lately…

Pastor Tim

So we had the opportunity at St. Luke this weekend to shred our mortgage - literally.

It was tons of fun to stand in front of everyone at all four weekend services and put a copy of the mortgage through the shredder prompting thunderous applause!  Praise God that we are now DEBT FREE!  It’s amazing to think about how God has positioned us now for future mission and ministry in our community and the world.  We had cake after all four worship gatherings - that was a lot of cake.

We celebrated.  The smiles were genuine.  Maybe even a tear of joy for those who might have been around in 1988 when the mortgage began?

On a day of a big celebration, I think it’s important to encourage us to see celebrations all around us.  You might miss them if you don’t look closely. 

*A baby was baptized at The Grove, and God’s family celebrated the welcoming of another member of God’s family.  A celebration, indeed.

*60 people came to Alpha tonight, and whether they know it or not, a lifelong friendship has begun with a simple, “Hello, my name is.”  God has created a new Christian friendship.  A celebration, indeed.

*A worshipper heard a biblical truth in a brand new way, and commented on how comforting is was for him at this time.  God’s Word is living and active.  A celebration, indeed.

*Our children’s choir, Raise the Praise, sang “Amazing Grace” with actions and beautiful voices.  A classic hymn sung with young voices stirred the memory of a much-older worshipper, and the song stirred the heart and reminded that one of a once-thriving faith.  Perhaps a new commitment to Christ ensues?  A celebration, indeed.

Keep your eyes open, St. Luke…there are celebrations all around us.  Do you think heaven is celebrating with us?