october prayer

Same Rhythms New Season:
I cannot believe that a year ago Kate, Montana, and I moved to WA to begin the work of discerning the call to start a new church. At the end of this first year, we can confidently say that this calling has been confirmed. We strongly believe that God has called us to the task of creating an authentic faith community in Bellingham, focused on living socially, growing spiritually in Christ, and serving our neighborhood.


Social…
Socially, I am encouraged by the relationships that have already deepened as a result of our activity in the neighborhood. The Tuesday running club I have been attending has resulted in several spiritual conversations. In the same way, we continue to have more and more conversations with our immediate neighbors at Cohousing. The newest addition to our “social rhythm” is my part-time employment at the Fire House Cafe in Fairhaven. It is one of the best neighborhood “hubs” on the south side of Bellingham, and I am excited to see who God puts before us as I begin networking in this great spot (I have already met more folks than I could have guessed). In all these settings, and others, we are praying that God would deepen the trust we’ve developed w/ folks, so we can put in a good word for Him as we go.

…Spiritual…
Our Monday Bible study continues to grow, with 10 people having been through “the doors,” 7 of which are regulars at this point. This week I have started 2 new men’s groups (meeting Wednesday evenings and Friday lunches). Kate and I also hope to start a couple monthly groups: one that will focus on serving our neighborhood in practical ways, and a Film & Food group). Our partnership w/ Mosaic in Bellingham continues, and we pray that God will lay it on folks’ hearts from there, and from all these groups, to join us in forming our launch team.

…Service.
We continue to serve our neighbor w/ Cancer, doing simple household tasks, as she continues her treatments. I am hoping this fall to partner directly w/ the neighborhood association in serving our neighbors through the group mentioned above. My prayer is that the new church would be known around the neighborhood as one that cares and serve, by putting it’s faith into action.

please pray with us for…
-God would be glorified in Bellingham
-God would call folks to join us in simply participating in the different groups we have started & hope to start
-God to raise up a strong ministry partner (“person of peace” Lk 10:1-7) to help us w/ weekly plans, as well a few families who would commit, for a season, to be a part of our launch team
-God to open doors, relationally, as we involve ourselves in activities in the neighborhood, allowing our lives to overlap w/ others