Happy Anniversary!
One year ago, The Table held its first worship gathering. God has done many great things since that time. A year ago our church did not have a name, a weekly rhythm, or a known presence in the neighborhood. That has all changed, because of His faithfulness.
In the last year God has been faithful in allowing us to live out our rhythms. The Table has lived out Hospitality, hosting and sponsoring numerous parties or events, all while making folks feel welcome in His name. We've lived out our Discipleship rhythm, praying and studying God's word together during all three of our weekly gatherings. And, The Table has blessed its neighbors in tangible ways during 8 “official” projects during our Blessing weekends, not to mention the countless “unofficial” blessings. We have many reasons to give God glory for what He has done. Thanks for your faithful and continued prayers and support of The Table!
We will be celebrating The Table's anniversary on June 26th, at Glen Echo Gardens. It will be a morning of sharing food, prayers of thanksgiving and for the future, and stories of His faithfulness so far. We’d love to celebrate with you! Stay tuned to our website for details of the day (www.thetablebellingham.org).
PRAYER FOR THE YEAR TO COME:
Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for all God has done in first year of The Table. Pray that God would continue to allow us make more room in our lives for our neighbors and friends, in a display of the Hospitality of Jesus. Pray for The Table to grow in its width, and its depth in Jesus, in our rhythm of Discipleship. And, pray that we’ll continue to be a Blessing to our friends and neighbors in tangible ways.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
2.2011 prayer letter
Getting Organized
“Things are moving,” is on our lips as people ask how things are going. The Table has been busy establishing communications that most of us take for granted. For example, the leadership of The Table decided upon an official logo (above). We immediately put it to use by sponsoring a film series at The Firehouse Performing Arts Center. It was cool to attend a film this month and see The Table’s logo on the big screen as one of the sponsors for this budding neighborhood activity. This sponsorship has been a jumping off point for great spiritual conversations. Under the direction of John Barry, a leader at the church, The Table launched its website. This will serve as an exciting avenue of communication/promotion in our community and neighborhood. The Table is beginning to make itself know in the “hood.”
Relationships
Slick logos and websites are great, but it is relationships that make the real difference, and as relational hours “are clocked” greater depth of life can be shared. At The Table we have had the range of folks begin to find their home with us. Newcomers are being welcomed by name, while old friends are being encouraged in various life transitions. In each case, God has been challenging us to be bold in sharing the hope we have in Christ. In all our gatherings we find folks on different points of the journey. Agnostics, syncretistic “travelers,” new believers, and long-time Christians are all being drawn to the person and work of Jesus. It is in the safety of our community that we are all able to humbly live our rhythms of hospitality, discipleship, and blessing for His glory.
PRAYER FOR THE SEASON:
Thank you for your prayers and support of our budding church. This season you can be praying for continued boldness as we are beginning to be noticed in the neighborhood. Keep on praying for God to show us how we can be a tangible blessing to our neighbors. And, continue to pray for growth in width and depth in Jesus, as we persist in living our rhythms.
“Things are moving,” is on our lips as people ask how things are going. The Table has been busy establishing communications that most of us take for granted. For example, the leadership of The Table decided upon an official logo (above). We immediately put it to use by sponsoring a film series at The Firehouse Performing Arts Center. It was cool to attend a film this month and see The Table’s logo on the big screen as one of the sponsors for this budding neighborhood activity. This sponsorship has been a jumping off point for great spiritual conversations. Under the direction of John Barry, a leader at the church, The Table launched its website. This will serve as an exciting avenue of communication/promotion in our community and neighborhood. The Table is beginning to make itself know in the “hood.”
Relationships
Slick logos and websites are great, but it is relationships that make the real difference, and as relational hours “are clocked” greater depth of life can be shared. At The Table we have had the range of folks begin to find their home with us. Newcomers are being welcomed by name, while old friends are being encouraged in various life transitions. In each case, God has been challenging us to be bold in sharing the hope we have in Christ. In all our gatherings we find folks on different points of the journey. Agnostics, syncretistic “travelers,” new believers, and long-time Christians are all being drawn to the person and work of Jesus. It is in the safety of our community that we are all able to humbly live our rhythms of hospitality, discipleship, and blessing for His glory.
PRAYER FOR THE SEASON:
Thank you for your prayers and support of our budding church. This season you can be praying for continued boldness as we are beginning to be noticed in the neighborhood. Keep on praying for God to show us how we can be a tangible blessing to our neighbors. And, continue to pray for growth in width and depth in Jesus, as we persist in living our rhythms.
Friday, January 7, 2011
1.11 prayer
YEAR IN REVIEW:
At the beginning of every New Year our culture seems to makes lists to remember/review the year that has passed. It seems fitting to follow suit. Here is a list of reasons The Table is praising God for the work He did in 2010.
Bible Studies
Our small groups continue to be places where God invites folks to find connection, where they are prayed for, and can safely explore a deeper relationship with Christ. Starting this month, a family on our leadership team will start our 3rd Bible study. Praise Him for new beginnings!
Leadership
At the beginning of 2010 there was no leadership structure for the, then nameless, church. Now God has blessed us with a diverse group of "wise ones", who have a heart to see God move in mighty ways. God has used The Table’s leadership to initiate worship, decide on our name, incorporate the church, provide spiritual direction for the church, and much more.
Worship Gatherings
Starting this past summer, The Table began worshipping together, every other week in the Walters' living room. Now God has allowed The Table meet weekly at the Fairhaven Library. We have been able to see our new church family grow in these spaces.
Outreach
God has allowed a vision to become a reality. The Table has made outreach a regular rhythm of our lives, where we either have a party every quarter, and a service project one weekend a month. Praise Him for the opportunity to partner in His work of restoration!
PRAYER FOR THIS SEASON:
As we enter 2011, please be praying for God to show us how we can be a tangible blessing to our neighbors. Please pray for growth in width and depth in Jesus, as we continue to live our rhythms. Please pray for continued intimacy with God and each other in all of our gatherings (existing Bible studies, our new small group, worship gatherings, parties, and service projects).
At the beginning of every New Year our culture seems to makes lists to remember/review the year that has passed. It seems fitting to follow suit. Here is a list of reasons The Table is praising God for the work He did in 2010.
Bible Studies
Our small groups continue to be places where God invites folks to find connection, where they are prayed for, and can safely explore a deeper relationship with Christ. Starting this month, a family on our leadership team will start our 3rd Bible study. Praise Him for new beginnings!
Leadership
At the beginning of 2010 there was no leadership structure for the, then nameless, church. Now God has blessed us with a diverse group of "wise ones", who have a heart to see God move in mighty ways. God has used The Table’s leadership to initiate worship, decide on our name, incorporate the church, provide spiritual direction for the church, and much more.
Worship Gatherings
Starting this past summer, The Table began worshipping together, every other week in the Walters' living room. Now God has allowed The Table meet weekly at the Fairhaven Library. We have been able to see our new church family grow in these spaces.
Outreach
God has allowed a vision to become a reality. The Table has made outreach a regular rhythm of our lives, where we either have a party every quarter, and a service project one weekend a month. Praise Him for the opportunity to partner in His work of restoration!
PRAYER FOR THIS SEASON:
As we enter 2011, please be praying for God to show us how we can be a tangible blessing to our neighbors. Please pray for growth in width and depth in Jesus, as we continue to live our rhythms. Please pray for continued intimacy with God and each other in all of our gatherings (existing Bible studies, our new small group, worship gatherings, parties, and service projects).
Friday, November 26, 2010
11.10 prayer
Dreams
There are new (or almost here) babies at The Table. With new life, hopes and dreams begin to be verbalized. At The Table, we have hopes for how we will live out our rhythms this next season.
Hospitality Hopes
We have hopes that The Table's quarterly parties will build from our Fall party, where friends, neighbors, and church members intermingled. We hope that our intentional social times with coworkers and neighbors will increase, and continue to provide opportunities for us to share our faith and life.
Discipleship Hopes
The Table is searching for a new venue for our worship gathering. We hope this new space will be a catalyst for greater connection with God and each other. Many of our friends are exploring their relationship with Christ. We hope God will continue to open doors for faith conversations.
Blessing Hopes
Once a month The Table leaves "the building" of the church, and serves the neighborhood. We hope we can increase our partnership with community organizations, similar to our upcoming tree planting project with the neighborhood association (our first try got snowed out). We pray God will keep providing us with opportunities to bless individual households in tangible ways, whether it’s helping to build healthy relationships or aiding with housing.
God has blessed us greatly as we continue to move forward with the dreams He’s given us of faithfully living out our rhythms. Thanks for your prayers and support of The Table, and thanks for dreaming with us!
please pray with us for God to…
…continue to lead us as we dream and move
…bless our leadership community with wisdom, unity, and fun
…grant our worshiping community growth and encouragement in Christ
There are new (or almost here) babies at The Table. With new life, hopes and dreams begin to be verbalized. At The Table, we have hopes for how we will live out our rhythms this next season.
Hospitality Hopes
We have hopes that The Table's quarterly parties will build from our Fall party, where friends, neighbors, and church members intermingled. We hope that our intentional social times with coworkers and neighbors will increase, and continue to provide opportunities for us to share our faith and life.
Discipleship Hopes
The Table is searching for a new venue for our worship gathering. We hope this new space will be a catalyst for greater connection with God and each other. Many of our friends are exploring their relationship with Christ. We hope God will continue to open doors for faith conversations.
Blessing Hopes
Once a month The Table leaves "the building" of the church, and serves the neighborhood. We hope we can increase our partnership with community organizations, similar to our upcoming tree planting project with the neighborhood association (our first try got snowed out). We pray God will keep providing us with opportunities to bless individual households in tangible ways, whether it’s helping to build healthy relationships or aiding with housing.
God has blessed us greatly as we continue to move forward with the dreams He’s given us of faithfully living out our rhythms. Thanks for your prayers and support of The Table, and thanks for dreaming with us!
please pray with us for God to…
…continue to lead us as we dream and move
…bless our leadership community with wisdom, unity, and fun
…grant our worshiping community growth and encouragement in Christ
Thursday, September 16, 2010
prayer letter 9.2010
Rhythms:
With summer drawing to end, The Table is excited about the fall. After summer adventures and “staycations”, we are all ready for more regular rhythms. At The Table, we are thinking of how we can expand our existing rhythms this fall, as we seek to be the hands and words of Christ around us. Let us know if you would like to get involved with us this fall. These are exciting times; thank you for your prayers and support of The Table!
hospitality…
The leadership community of The Table decided that on “5-Sunday months” we will throw a party to meet and hangout with new friends. Be praying for our 1st party on Oct. 30th. This is one example of how we are seeking to “make room” in our lives for others. Our hope is that we will all intentionally live with extra margin in our schedules, so we can bless our families, friends, and neighbors with genuine relationship.
…discipleship…
Jesus said, “While you go, make disciples…” (Mt. 28:19), so that’s what we are striving to do. This fall you can be praying for this rhythm at The Table as it gets played out in our worship gatherings (most Sundays at 5:30pm), our “Bible Monday” study/prayer group (Mondays at 6:30pm), our “Manlunch” Bible study (Fridays at 12:30pm), in a possible new Bible study, and via personal mentoring/discipleship. I anticipate God to bless us richly in these gatherings.
…and blessing
Are we “be-ers” or “do-ers”? My hope is that we are both, known for being children of the King AND ambassadors of His Kingdom. This means we are called to bless our neighbors in tangible ways. You can be praying for The Table this fall as we participate with Mosaic in our shared “Beautify” or service Sundays (Oct. 24 & Nov. 14). We hope to have projects on these Sundays that will either bless a neighbor of The Table or someone/group on the south side of Bellingham. Also, please be praying for members of The Table as we begin the work of community organization in the Happy Valley neighborhood, meeting and organizing neighbors around common desires.
please pray with us for God to…
…continue to bring the isolated into community
…bless our leadership community with wisdom, unity, and fun
…grant our worshiping community growth and encouragement in Christ
With summer drawing to end, The Table is excited about the fall. After summer adventures and “staycations”, we are all ready for more regular rhythms. At The Table, we are thinking of how we can expand our existing rhythms this fall, as we seek to be the hands and words of Christ around us. Let us know if you would like to get involved with us this fall. These are exciting times; thank you for your prayers and support of The Table!
hospitality…
The leadership community of The Table decided that on “5-Sunday months” we will throw a party to meet and hangout with new friends. Be praying for our 1st party on Oct. 30th. This is one example of how we are seeking to “make room” in our lives for others. Our hope is that we will all intentionally live with extra margin in our schedules, so we can bless our families, friends, and neighbors with genuine relationship.
…discipleship…
Jesus said, “While you go, make disciples…” (Mt. 28:19), so that’s what we are striving to do. This fall you can be praying for this rhythm at The Table as it gets played out in our worship gatherings (most Sundays at 5:30pm), our “Bible Monday” study/prayer group (Mondays at 6:30pm), our “Manlunch” Bible study (Fridays at 12:30pm), in a possible new Bible study, and via personal mentoring/discipleship. I anticipate God to bless us richly in these gatherings.
…and blessing
Are we “be-ers” or “do-ers”? My hope is that we are both, known for being children of the King AND ambassadors of His Kingdom. This means we are called to bless our neighbors in tangible ways. You can be praying for The Table this fall as we participate with Mosaic in our shared “Beautify” or service Sundays (Oct. 24 & Nov. 14). We hope to have projects on these Sundays that will either bless a neighbor of The Table or someone/group on the south side of Bellingham. Also, please be praying for members of The Table as we begin the work of community organization in the Happy Valley neighborhood, meeting and organizing neighbors around common desires.
please pray with us for God to…
…continue to bring the isolated into community
…bless our leadership community with wisdom, unity, and fun
…grant our worshiping community growth and encouragement in Christ
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
june 2010 prayer letter
Whenever summer comes around, I always hear the call of the road. Kate and I love a good road trip, getting out "into the wide open." After miles of empty road, more road side signs begin to appear, informing you that a new town is nearby. I feel like this is where we are at, with regard to the church plant.
We began our journey, and set out with the excitement of the openness before us. Moving to Lynden in the fall of 2008, we began to pray where God was leading us to move, live, and begin the ministry He called us to. We traveled around the various towns of Whatcom County and felt God nudging us to Bellingham, specifically to the south side.
In the summer of 2009, we moved from Lynden to Bellingham, and began getting to know our neighbors. Living at Bellingham Cohousing allowed us to almost instantaneously get to know our immediate neighbors. Working at the Firehouse Cafe allowed me to build friendships with many others who live on the south side. Volunteering at the local elementary school and Whatcom Volunteer Center, allowed us to bless others in the neighborhood.
The road signs began to increase. God allowed us to start two Bible studies, where He continues to bring previously isolated individuals into a community of prayer, study, encouragement and fun. God has blessed these groups with an authenticity and depth that is evidence of His love among us.
Now a year after moving to Bellingham, the unmistakable signs along the road make it apparent that God is bringing us even closer to something new. This past month has been an exciting one. Several of us gathered for the first time as a leadership community for the church plant. We ate, shared our stories, and prayed together. This group will be the group that navigates the first miles of the church. As a group we set the date for the church's first worship gathering, happening June 27th at 5:30pm. We hope to worship together every other week during the summer. We hope that this gathering will be a place for our friends and neighbors to experience the love of God in our community.
The road trip continues. God has blessed us with safety, encouragement, and provision thus far, moving us to the neighborhood He wants us to serve. We anxiously await what He will do among us, as He builds His Kingdom in Bellingham. Thanks for your prayers and support along the way, for God's glory.
Please pray with us for God to...
-continue to build His church, bring the isolated into community
-bless our leadership community with wisdom, unity, and fun
-give our family and our church family a good summer of connection and fun
We began our journey, and set out with the excitement of the openness before us. Moving to Lynden in the fall of 2008, we began to pray where God was leading us to move, live, and begin the ministry He called us to. We traveled around the various towns of Whatcom County and felt God nudging us to Bellingham, specifically to the south side.
In the summer of 2009, we moved from Lynden to Bellingham, and began getting to know our neighbors. Living at Bellingham Cohousing allowed us to almost instantaneously get to know our immediate neighbors. Working at the Firehouse Cafe allowed me to build friendships with many others who live on the south side. Volunteering at the local elementary school and Whatcom Volunteer Center, allowed us to bless others in the neighborhood.
The road signs began to increase. God allowed us to start two Bible studies, where He continues to bring previously isolated individuals into a community of prayer, study, encouragement and fun. God has blessed these groups with an authenticity and depth that is evidence of His love among us.
Now a year after moving to Bellingham, the unmistakable signs along the road make it apparent that God is bringing us even closer to something new. This past month has been an exciting one. Several of us gathered for the first time as a leadership community for the church plant. We ate, shared our stories, and prayed together. This group will be the group that navigates the first miles of the church. As a group we set the date for the church's first worship gathering, happening June 27th at 5:30pm. We hope to worship together every other week during the summer. We hope that this gathering will be a place for our friends and neighbors to experience the love of God in our community.
The road trip continues. God has blessed us with safety, encouragement, and provision thus far, moving us to the neighborhood He wants us to serve. We anxiously await what He will do among us, as He builds His Kingdom in Bellingham. Thanks for your prayers and support along the way, for God's glory.
Please pray with us for God to...
-continue to build His church, bring the isolated into community
-bless our leadership community with wisdom, unity, and fun
-give our family and our church family a good summer of connection and fun
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
may prayer letter
Encouraged and excited. These are the two words I'm finding myself use to describe the ministry this Spring. With the summer season knocking on our door, we are growing in our existing groups, while ramping up for new and exciting things.
Growth in Our Groups:
In our existing groups we are having to find more chairs for folks to sit in. It has been a great blessing to see how God is using these growing circles of chairs. Recently I wrote a note to someone in our Monday Bible study, telling them how much I appreciate them. They wrote back, saying, "If I am all you say I am, I assure you that it is due to the safe and tender container you have provided for all of us to be our best and most tender selves. The Christ in all of us just shines through every person there... Your group gives me the awareness of how tender-
hearted I (and probably most people) can be when we feel safe and loved. Thank you so much for that." I share this not to boast in myself, but to boast of what our God is doing among us, for His glory.
Exciting Opportunities:
Presently I am having many conversations with folks who we believe God may be calling to join our launch team for the new church. Presently we have four households represented on this group, as I continue conversations with others in the next couple weeks. Once this group is solidified, we'll begin praying for what God has for us, and begin planning. My hope is that this group will begin worshipping every other week, starting this summer. We are excited for what God will continue to do.
please pray with us for…
Our God is generous. Thank you for your support of God's
ministry here in Bellingham. Please pray for His generosity
to be poured out in these areas:
• Gathering a core team. I am still in the middle of asking various folks we know to commit to leadership in the church plant, and hope to have a starting team by Summer.
• Summer experiments. In addition to our existing small groups, this summer we may experiment with a rhythm of worshiping together every other week, and partying together and blessing the neighborhood on the off weeks.
• Strategic planning w/ Mosaic. We are creatively considering different partnership options with Mosaic church.
Growth in Our Groups:
In our existing groups we are having to find more chairs for folks to sit in. It has been a great blessing to see how God is using these growing circles of chairs. Recently I wrote a note to someone in our Monday Bible study, telling them how much I appreciate them. They wrote back, saying, "If I am all you say I am, I assure you that it is due to the safe and tender container you have provided for all of us to be our best and most tender selves. The Christ in all of us just shines through every person there... Your group gives me the awareness of how tender-
hearted I (and probably most people) can be when we feel safe and loved. Thank you so much for that." I share this not to boast in myself, but to boast of what our God is doing among us, for His glory.
Exciting Opportunities:
Presently I am having many conversations with folks who we believe God may be calling to join our launch team for the new church. Presently we have four households represented on this group, as I continue conversations with others in the next couple weeks. Once this group is solidified, we'll begin praying for what God has for us, and begin planning. My hope is that this group will begin worshipping every other week, starting this summer. We are excited for what God will continue to do.
please pray with us for…
Our God is generous. Thank you for your support of God's
ministry here in Bellingham. Please pray for His generosity
to be poured out in these areas:
• Gathering a core team. I am still in the middle of asking various folks we know to commit to leadership in the church plant, and hope to have a starting team by Summer.
• Summer experiments. In addition to our existing small groups, this summer we may experiment with a rhythm of worshiping together every other week, and partying together and blessing the neighborhood on the off weeks.
• Strategic planning w/ Mosaic. We are creatively considering different partnership options with Mosaic church.
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