This week was one to remember. Thomas started the week in Greensboro, had a fundraising event on Tuesday night, and we spent the last three days with Summit Network for the annual retreat. We are encouraged, comforted, and compelled forward in all that God is doing.
Here are a few highlights from this last week...
Residency Training in Greensboro
Thomas and Daniel drove over to High Point early on Monday morning to meet with a church. They discussed partnership and prayed together. Of course, the boys had a lot of fun on the trip and might have gotten some work done as well.
Thomas spent the rest of the day in Greensboro to meet up with the guys for Residency Training. They connected with the brothers at Mercy Hill Church and spent the next 24 hours talking about church membership, assimilation processes (getting people connected), and what is involved in a great children's ministry. The themes of hospitality and efficiency were key focuses for the group. These conversations will go a long way to helping us developing our own systems and structures once in London. We are continually impressed by the leadership of Mercy Hill. If you live somewhere in The Triad and are looking for a good church, check em out.
Fundraising
On Tuesday night Thomas went over to a friend's house who graciously hosted a fundraising hangout. At halftime of the NC State vs UNC game, Thomas shared the vision for London and how we can all partner together in planting this trip. We were so excited to make some new friends and for God to create more partners for us. We are grateful for the Forrests for graciously hosting such a fun evening. We still need others to join our team - if you would like to invest with us then you can join our team by clicking this link.
Words cannot describe just how good the Summit Network Retreat was. Thomas spent Wednesday evening with our new and good friend John McGowan (Restoration City Church, D.C.), our former college pastor Matt Dean (Grace Auburn, Auburn), and Thomas' seminary roommate Will McGee (Crossroads Christian Church, Brooklyn).
Together, we had such a great time at The Summit on Thursday and Friday. We were refreshed, comforted, and encouraged on in this journey of starting a new church. Especially sweet for us was getting to hangout with two church staffs who started supporting us financially in this last season: Corbin Hobbs (The Heights Church, Denver) and Terry Lee (The Oaks Church, Cincinnati). From quick conversations to catching up over meals, we love each and every person we got to know. Also, the McDANIELS - words cannot express our gratitude for them, their vision, and their care.
Depth and diversity best describe our network. The men and women who lead our partner churches are a joy to know. There is a depth of character, love of God, and others. The network is also diverse culturally, racially, and geographically. Our values of Gospel, Balance, and Multiplication are clearly experienced across our diverse Family. We are learning so much from this group about everything from personal relationships, daily input rhythms, how to engage culture, and how to trust God. We cannot imagine planting without the Summit Network.
The only issue with the last couple of days is that we didn't take more photos to capture the moments. But, we will gladly trade a lack of photos for being in the room and in the conversations.
It's The Weekend!
We're taking it easy this weekend. This was a full week and we are ready to catch our breath again. We are finding a sabbath rhythm in the last couple of weeks and getting a lot out of it.
Thank you for being on this journey with us!
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21