Now what?

It's been one month since the fire.
Now what?

I asked everyone to come together in prayer for our church in the weeks leading up to Easter.
I know many of you have.  It's been a joy to talk with many of you about your hopes and prayers for our Church.

What has inspired me is the overwhelming consensus that this fire is not the end, but a new beginning.

In fact, this trial seems to have stirred up a new resolve to move forward as a church.  Many can see more clearly that we have nothing to lose in attempting something great for God.  After all, we lost almost everything we owned, and everything at the Ministry Centre.

But we have continued to worship God, meet in homes, serve our community, and see people come to faith in Jesus!

Maybe what we sang the morning of the fire is true,
"Out of the ashes we rise..."

This week we are rising up to make several moves as a church.
Now I want to you to know what is happening, and to keep these items in prayer:

First, we are extending an offer to hire a part time worship director.
We believe the church exists for the glory of God, and that starts with worship.
A group of Christians can have big dreams to make great impact in their community.  But without gathering together to teach His word, sing His praises, offer prayers and give our gifts, we will never go anywhere.

And so we want to grow our worshiping community so that we may continue to grow our mission to our city.
By hiring in our music/worship ministry, we are investing in a bigger vision for Connections.
Pray that this person will take our already amazing musicians and vocalists to greater excellence.
And pray that our worship services will glorify God and lead people to salvation.

If all goes well, we will be introducing our first half-time hire starting in May.

Second, we are actively seeking a partnership for Connections mid-week programing and office needs.
Our Stewardship Team has prayed over and discussed our options.  At this stage we believe that God is not leading us to simply rebuild what was lost.  If a partnership can happen, then this will serve as evidence of the path we should take at this stage.  We don't know how long we would be in a partnership, of even if it will happen.
But this approach could potentially meet our needs, and potentially bless another church or organization.

We are very excited about this kind of "Gospel Partnership," and again, ask for your prayers.

Third, we need your SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL and FINANCIAL support.
It's already been mentioned- we need your prayers!
Pray for your church, your ministry team leaders, our worship services and programs.

We also need your physical support.
If Connections is your church, we ask that you serve.
~ Volunteer with the First Impressions Team.
~ Help out with the Family Ministry.
~ Join the team that helps set up the worship service every Sunday.

And we don't just need volunteers, we need leaders-
~ People to lead ministry to our Junior and Senior High Youth.
~ Leaders in our outreach to the community.
~ People to start Connections Groups.

And finally, we need your giving.
All things belong to God, and we worship Him through our offerings to His church.
So give in worship to God to Connections so we can continue with our mission.

Later this week we'll share about the new series, "7 Deadly Sins, 7 Saving Virtues"
as well as updates on Connection Groups and upcoming events.

Until then,
Pray for our new Worship Director;
Pray for a new partnership to come together;
and Pray, Serve and Give to Connections!

We have nothing to lose,
everything to gain,
and a great God who is with us all the way!