Man, what an amazing few days. I preached a sermon and was examined on the floor of Presbytery Saturday, and I PASSED! What an amazing feeling of relief. But it gets better. I have known for little over a month, that this past weekend was going to be Harbor Ocean Beach's first gathering events. I planned two dessert vision parties. One for Saturday evening and one for Sunday afternoon. Things were lining up well until two weeks ago when I was given the dates for my exams. Same week, no problem, right? After a study session a week ago with Doug Swagerty (Senior Pastor of the Harbor network of congregations), it became clear I had a long way to go to get ready. So for about a week, my life was all about studying. Note to any aspiring church planters: don't plan your first launch events the week of licensure exams.
Saturday evening came and I pulled up to the Brewster's home (hosts) with Faith and Isaac, and Michelle and Greg right behind, thinking I wonder if anyone else is going to come tonight? Two couples I had poured a little time into called at the last moment to apologize for not coming. Amazingly, I had peace about our pending party of seven. But by 7:30 the Brewster's living room was maxed out and we were scrounging around the house and garage looking for chairs! I was so blown away. Most of the folks who came, I had little-to-no contact with before the meeting. I had not gathered anyone. What a great reminder - that Jesus is the real church planter here in OB!
The same scenario played out for Sunday's vision party. I hoped ten people would come. I invited more young singles to Sunday's dessert party. I had not seen any of them in well over a week. It's a weekend and there are so many options living in OB. So maybe if eight showed up I would be excited. Well, we packed out another living room again. The two parties were awesome. I was so encouraged by these folks' passion for a new congregation in OB.
Thank you for your prayers. The real Church Planter showed up big time!
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