Serving God Together
We get to do a lot of special things during the summer (including VBS, children’s camp, student week, GAP mission trip, not to mention meet weekly for worship), but here are a few other things the staff is working on:
Church revitalization. An opportunity from a sister church in our association, Reedy Fork Baptist Church, has arisen. We’ve been asked to come alongside them and present a proposal to bring their people and facilities under the leadership of Lawndale. Our responsibility would be to shepherd their people and plan a relaunch of the church. They vote on our plan July 11. If accepted, we would bring the plan to Lawndale for approval July 25 at our quarterly business meeting. Please pray for wisdom as we consider this request. Our plan would be a 3-5 year process of replanting an autonomous church to reach their community with the gospel.
Fall ministry. Plans are being made to present what Lawndale will look like in September by way of Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Wednesday nights as well as the church culture as a whole. We’ve been praying through children’s, students’, and adult groups as well as intergenerational meetings. Don’t be surprised if you see a few changes to how our family looks. With God’s help, we will be a biblical and intergenerational church.
Membership calls. The staff is committed to contacting all church members during July and August. We take seriously our job to shepherd the flock. We want to know how you are doing, pray with you, and hear from you.
Music Ministry. I’m thankful for the men and women who have stepped up to lead us in our time of transition. Eddie Clark has been a huge blessing as an interim. Annaliese Paris, Maureen Burns, Paul Marth, and Jenny Newkirk have also provided much needed support. I’m thankful to have our choir singing again. You as a congregation have been patient as we’ve worked on experiencing worship intergenerationally. We continue to pray and listen to your input. Keep praying God sends us the man to lead us long-term, but in the meantime, pray for these leaders as they give of themselves to sacrificially serve.
I’m blessed to serve with a great staff and with a great congregation. But even more, I’m blessed to serve a great God with you. Join me in praying for God to do what only He can do over the summer and in the fall, “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).
