Jul 20, 2010
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In case you missed it, this past Sunday, July 18 was quite an exciting day! As we began to set up Sharkey’s banquet room for our Worship Gathering, we noticed the floor was damp and the room had a “wet” smell to it. Apparently, the roof had leaked during the storms last week and the carpet and ceiling were super saturated. The room was unusable, so Sharkey contacted our landlord and negotiated on our behalf to use a vacant space on the first floor for our Gathering (thank you, Sharkey!).
Then came the people—in droves! The Koo family invited many friends and family for Katelyn and Nathaniel’s dedication, plus there were an additional 6 adults and 2 children visiting for the day. As a result, we had almost 50 people crammed into one room (the A/C couldn’t keep up!) and 10 toddlers and 3 infants in Sunday School!
It Is Time For A New Space
Yes, God provided for us in a pinch on Sunday (praise God!), but the message should be loud and clear to us: it is time to find a new space. For two weeks in a row we have had Worship Gatherings where space was an issue (this is why we held the Elder Commissioning Service offsite at Bethel Baptist on July 11th). If we are going to accommodate guests and position ourselves to grow to four or five times our current size (150-200 people), we need more Worship Gathering and children ministry space than what our current building offers.
Living Out “Exodus”: Opportunity To See the Glory of the Lord!
It is no coincidence that our sermon series is currently taking us through Exodus 15-17, the beginning journey of how God provided for Israel as they wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. The many oases Israel came to in their journey were not the destination—the Promised Land was the destination. They packed up and moved their Worship Gathering for 2,080 weeks! The Elders are convinced that God is saying to Metanoia: “Time to pack up and move to the next oasis.” Yes, the journey is hard and the next space may not be perfect, but our God will provide. We will look back at this time and shout out praises for his provision!
What Is Being Done?
The Elders and the Finance Team have been looking for a new space on or in the immediate vicinity of Main Street since late spring of this year. While we have a strong lead or two, we do not yet have a peace as to where we are to move next. After these past two weeks, the search has taken on new importance.
One fourth of Metanoia’s vision that God revealed to us in the spring and was affirmed at the Partnership Retreat states: “We desire to make and grow as disciples of Jesus Christ by seeking the transformation of the spiritual, business and artistic life of Main Street through our presence with the result that Jesus Christ is increasingly recognized as Lord and sought as the true source of spiritual vitality.” For these reasons, we are looking for a space only within the Historic Ellicott City vicinity. Like Israel, we are, in a sense, wandering in the wilderness trusting God in daily dependence to provide for his people as they journey toward seeing his promise fulfilled.
What Can I Do?
God has given us a vision for Historic Ellicott City’s Main Street and the places we live, work and play, so God has and will continue to provide all that we need to see this vision accomplished. But we must pray!
[Jesus said:] “Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” – John 16.23b-24
“You do not have, because you do not ask.” – James 4.2b
The surrounding context of both of these verses deals with seeking God’s glory and God’s Kingdom. When God’s will is the desire of our heart, Jesus says—nay, promises!—that he will answer our prayers. May we all ask for a new space on Main Street—his vision and will for our church—that he may be glorified!
So, what can you do?
1. Pray.
2. Fast and pray.
3. Lead your family to pray for the Elders and the Finance Team on a regular basis.
4. Attend the church-wide prayer meeting this Sunday, July 25 at 6:30 in the church office. The prayer time will be focused on asking God for a new space to open up.
Where Are We Meeting This Sunday?
At this time, we are planning to return to Sharkey’s at the regular time for Sunday, July 25th. However, should the water damage issue not be resolved by mid-week, we will find an alternative location. The time and location will be posted on Twitter (churchmetanoia), the Metanoia Church Facebook fan page and on the website by no later than this Friday morning. Once you see the time and location posted, please contact others within your Community Group and your circle of friends to ensure that everyone knows what is going on this weekend.
Grace and peace,
The Elders of Metanoia Church
No comments
Trackbacks/Pingbacks