This is Church
Hey all,
I just need to reflect back on what’s happened in the last 2 weeks around this place. 2 weeks ago, we hosted over 1000 leaders in the area for the annual Leadership Summit. We’ve now become the largest site in America to take in this simulcast conference. They expect over 100,000 leaders to take it in. As usual, it was amazing. One of the lines that Bill Hybels used was to talk about times when he says “this is church.” Times when someone cares for someone, when outreach is done, when a life is changed, etc. Just watching 1000 leaders get trained was inspiring in itself.
However, this last weekend we wrapped up our backpack drive with over 3000 backpacks filled and truckloads ready to donate to kids in need. You should know that some of these backpacks went to WB and SLP school system for their use as well. Most went to the inner city to be used by inner-city churches and their kids. I got to see what the pile at Lino Lakes looks like and…”this is church.” Way to go!
Then, last Sunday we hosted our first combined one-time summer baptism at NWC. 525 people were baptized and many were there to watch. We estimated about 1400 people were in attendance for this beautiful day. When everyone gathered on the hillside on a perfect summer day to sing “How Great is our God”, listen to stories of life-change and watch hundreds of people declare their life change, well…”it was church.” I knew of a couple people specifically who went into the water of baptism that have experienced dramatic transformation. I wish I knew all the stories.
Summit, Backpacks and Baptism…3 examples of how the church is alive and kickin. Hope you’re all enjoying the ride.
Here’s 2 other “church” activities coming up that you won’t want to miss. This weekend is communion which should be amazing. Then on Sept 6/7 we have our Fall Kick Off which has some GREAT things planned. Don’t miss out!
See ya!
