prayer letter - 5.09

April Recap:
The major highlight of the month was moving from Lynden to Bellingham. We felt so blessed by those who helped us load and unload our truck. We were welcomed warmly by our new neighbors at Bellingham Cohousing. They helped us unload, brought food, and have welcomed us with warm introductions. We’ve already participated in some Cohousing activities, including meals, a little yard work, and helping a neighbor babysit. We hope that our involvement in these regular activities will help us get to know our neighbors. I also attended my first neighborhood association meeting. It was great to hear some of the general concerns of the area. I’m expecting to get involved with this group as we begin to think about how we can serve Happy Valley. Much of the month was spent figuring out where things like our silverware will go in our new place, settling into our home. Our desire is that the Lord will use our home to bless others, as we hang out, study, and serve.

May Forecast:
As May begins, my priorities revolve around gathering folks together. We are hoping to solidify who will join us in leadership in these initial days of the plant. I am praying for leaders in the areas of finance /administration, community development/ outreach, worship /prayer, and families. Another priority will be to develop relationship in the neighborhood through running and book clubs, and neighborhood events. The 3rd priority is to perhaps start a small group of some kind (Bible study, prayer group, movie club, or something else). These small groups may be the primary way we’ll begin to “do” church together. Finally, the last priority this month is to discover how we will physically serve our neighbors (whether it is through volunteering, or beginning something new), and to start going. Please let me know how you would like to get involved.

please pray with us for…


People
• God would rise leaders w/ a shared vision of loving God as we love our neighborhood, including a “person of peace” (Lk 10:1-7)
• God would gather folks to join us in small group-type activities
• God would bless us as we get to know our new neighbors

Place
• God would give us a heart for, and eyes to see the needs in our new neighborhood
• God would help us find those places in the neighborhood, where our lives can overlap with those in the community
• God would open doors, relationally, as we begin involving ourselves in activities in the neighborhood this month (book and running clubs, neighborhood meals, and cohousing events)