visit to the building on october 28

Hey everyone!

I was lucky enough to get another chance to visit the new facility... the hardwood floors and clouds have ben put into the worship center. It is so beautiful! Check out these pics :-)

Honoring the Workers

We had a lunch today for the guys who have been working on our building - some of them for over a year! It was cool to have them all in one place. I have gotten to know most of them either by name or by face over the course of this project. Each one has a life and story and a spiritual journey. I'm so thankful for their efforts - and whether they are conscious of it or not, they are all extending God's kingdom in Erie because of the excellent work they're doing. Our staff served the meal and a number of wonderful volunteers provided the food and the big hit - the homemade pies! There wasn't much fanfare, these are quiet blue collar guys who were probably put in a weird spot by being publicly thanked by our meal. It wasn't immediately clear that they were moved or even grateful for our effort today. But after everyone was cleared out, after the tables and chairs were gone, as they went purposefully about their business, one by one with tremendous sincerity many of them approached me and offered a heartfealt thanks a handshake and a smile. Deep down, they experienced the love of Christ today as extended by the people of Grace. Thanks to all who participated.

A visit to the new building

On Sunday, the worship and technical ministries got together at the new facility to discuss some changes with the sound system, music, etc and pray over the worship area. We were able to tour the building as well and go up in the lighting booth and see the incredible sanctuary from a birds eye view. I hadn't been in a month or so, and I was struck by the simplicity and beauty of the building. Especially when you go into the lobby area in the front...t he sense of light and air is almost palpable - holy... I just can't wait to be there. The worship center is so cool too, with it's black ceiling. I can't wait to get a new set of pictures after the floors are all put in - I bet the difference will be staggering. A lot of things are close to being done but you can't really tell because of the cement floors. Here is a slideshow of the visit... feel free to click on the link and also view many other grace albums. I've FINALLY figured out the best place to get them all in one spot.

The Power of All of Us

During the last couple of weeks we launched a effort to recruit many needed hands and feet to help during this transition process. People with construction skills and cooking skills and children's ministry skills and assembly skills, it's an all out effort. I'm pleased that about 120 people responded and made themselves available to help during this really crucial time. Many of those people are very new to the church and looking for a place to get involved. That was one of the secondary benefits of this effort. Allowing folks who are new to Grace to serve side by side with regular Grace folks and get to know some people. I'm a little disappointed that more Grace folks did not respond. It could be because they're already involved, or feel like all the effort is being covered right now. But we need EVERYONE! So we're making one more push this weekend. If you're reading this and would like to look at the opportunities check them out here.
Power%20of%20All%20of%20Us%20-%202007.pdf

I hate dirt

I know "hate" is a strong word, and dirt is God's magical substance from which he created all things including the first man and woman. I know it is the final resting place for this mortal body of mine, so I should be careful what I say about it. But I can't help myself... I hate dirt (heretofore referred to as "the D-word"). Why? It has cost us so much time, headaches, money, and sleepless nights on Grubb Road that it's driving me nuts. It seems like we finally take care of getting it all settled and something else comes up and we have to pay someone to come in and do more work with the D-word. It's unbelievable. Hopefully this week is our final major go-round with it. It is being finish graded today and will be ready for seeding. Hopefully within a week or so the grass will be before us and the D-word will be behind us. Whenever I see the D-word now I see dollar signs and that's a pretty warped perspective against an otherwise innocent substance. Here's to not having to see another bull dozer for many years to come...