Thanks for Checking!

It’s been a couple of weeks since we’ve posted. That doesn’t’ mean nothing has been happening. On the contrary, quite a bit has happened! We’ve just waited until some things were official before sharing them with you.

• First – Our leadership team members have been officially approved by the New Church Development Committee of Classis. This newly appointed leadership team met last Thursday evening for the very first time and we had an awesome meeting.
  It was great to see the diversity of the group, the talents of each member, and the passion and commitment God has lain on each person’s heart. We undoubtedly experienced the hand of God in orchestrating this body and we are excited about what He is going to do through each member.


• Meet our Team! - Jill Hendricks, Gord and Judy Brinks, Lisa and Randy Ledeboer, Rick and Rhonda Workman, and Bruce Gleason.


• At this point, the leadership team has a good idea of the work before each one of us and we are beginning to take up that work. We will be meeting a couple of times in the next few weeks to put together more details etc.
• We are also very excited that the leadership team plans to travel as group to the national Church Planting Conference in Orlando, FL in April. We are excited to be able to do this as a group and feel that God is going to do some neat things and give us some great experiences as he brings this group together and strengthens us for the work He has called us to.
  
  Looking Ahead

• Please mark your calendars for March 26th at 7:00 pm. We will be holding our 3rd mass informational meeting.
  At this meeting we plan to give you a ministry update as well as provide you with tentative plans for gatherings, activities, and worship.
• Remember, this is an outreach driven church so please invite and bring along friends, neighbors, family members, or co-workers.
  
  Prayer Requests
  
  Praise:
  -Leadership Team and Meeting Last Thursday
  -That we have seen God's hand leading, guiding, and providing.
  
  Petition:
  -Guidance and wisdom as we work on a name for this ministry.
  -Direction as we seek a location for this ministry.
  -For continued financial support.
  -For Church Partners – Classis Churches participation
  

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for this new ministry! Your thoughts and prayers are felt and appreciated.

The Excitement Continues...

• We met this past Wednesday evening with people representing Home Missions, Classis GR South, Discovery CRC, a Church Plant that has been meeting for 3 years now, and the new Church Plant. The intention of the meeting was to discuss the past four months, where we are currently, and a time-line for moving forward. The meeting was very encouraging with all in attendance feeling very good about what God has been doing.
• On Tuesday, February 10 the New Church Development team from Classis GR South will be having a meeting to discuss the make-up of our launch leadership team as well as tentative timing for events in the months ahead. At this point we are anticipating bringing the launch leadership team together by the third week in February and having a general meeting again by the end of February or early March.
• Moving forward beyond February, we intend to offer various formats of get-togethers on a regular basis. These may be for the purpose of simply getting to know each other, doing a service project, or gathering for an informal worship service.

Prayer Requests

• Give thanks for the progress and God's blessing on the plant so far as was acknowledged in the meeting this past Wednesday evening.
• Pray for the New Church Development Committee as the organizational structure and launch leadership positions are discussed.
• Pray that God will continue to bless this new ministry with people, churched and unchurched, who are desiring to be in community and grow in relationships with each other and with God.

Some of you have have begun or indicated your desire to begin to financially support the new church through your tithing. Your gifts can be sent to New Church Plant, c/o Discovery CRC, 7245 Eastern Ave., Grand Rapids, MI 49508. If you would like some pre-addressed envelopes you can contact Randy and he will get them to you.

Blessings to all of you and many thanks for your love and support!