Happy Valley it is!
A lot has happened in the last month. We officially made the decision to focus our church planting efforts in the Happy Valley neighborhood of Bellingham. The Lord gave us - and those we are discerning with - a great peace about this area. Very soon after deciding on Happy Valley, an apartment for rent was brought to our attention. It is in the Bellingham Cohousing, an intentional community right in Happy Valley. Cohousing’s philosophy of living matches our lifestyle desires and values. It seemed like a great fit, so we signed the lease in the middle of March, and will move mid-April. Although we will were sad to leave Lynden, we are very excited about our new neighborhood, the opportunities to serve and minister, and our new home. The Lord seemed to open the door wide to this area, and we are ready to walk in faith into this new part of the journey. The discernment of location is over, so now we will focus on gathering folks.
April Forecast:
The first task this month will be to pack up and move to our new home. Settling into Cohousing will be an exciting adjustment. They do many things together, such as optional weekly meals, neighborhood projects, socials, etc. We’re stoked, and want to dive in. In April I hope to meet those in the greater neighborhood, participating in what is already happening as we get a sense for our new home and neighbors. This plays into our focus on relationships, discovering who will join us as we begin ministry in Happy Valley. We’ll be partnering primarily w/ Mosaic Church in Bellingham, while we get our bearings. That being said, we hope to remain connected w/ our supported churches throughout the county. We have reached an important milestone, and feel greatly blessed by everyone those who have supported us. Thank you for your continued blessing to us.
please pray with us for…
People
• God would keep us connected w/ our support base
• God would rise partners w/ a shared vision of loving God as we love our neighborhood, including a “person of peace” (Lk 10:1-7)
• God would bless us as we get to know our new neighbors
Place
• God would bless us w/ an smooth transition into Bellingham
• 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 give us creativity as we discern how we can serve our new neighborhood
Monday, July 27, 2009
prayer letter - 3.09
Feb. Recap:
Our poor car is not used to daily commutes, but that’s what it did in February as we had lots of on-site prayer in Bellingham neighborhoods and meetings w/ leaders in Bellingham. The neighborhood that kept coming up in these conversations and prayers was Happy Valley (found between Fairhaven and I-5). It’s a diverse “hood” w/ college students to seniors, and varying economic situations. Unlike the other “hoods” looked at, I found myself day dreaming about life and ministry there. These daydreams include thinking about what local clubs we could join, places we where could live and easily serve our literal neighbors, and daydreams on how we could reach the neighborhood through service & relationships. With this narrowing down, our focus has become to pray for God to raise up folks to serve w/ us for a season in launching the church. We have faith that He will show us who He is raising up.
March Forecast:
In March we hope that God will confirm the call to the Happy Valley neighborhood, and that He will bring folks to us who will join us for a season in starting the church. My hope is to start strategizing how we can grow in the Lord together, while we discern the best way to serve the neighborhood. Part of this strategy is to begin looking for a place to live in the neighborhood, a place where we can host our neighbors and ministry events. Before the move happens, we hope to engage Bellingham as much as possible while still living in Lynden. That means joining clubs and developing deeper relationships w/ our partnerships in Bellingham, including Mosaic and others. We also hope to have a couple prayer times this month, in both Bellingham and Lynden, that will focus on community and Kingdom growth in the County. Stayed tuned to times, places, and an invitation to join us.
please pray with us for…
People
• God would connect us w/ our support base, and Bellingham leaders
• God would rise leaders of prayer/ hospitality, administration/finances, community development/outreach, and children/youth, who will serve w/ us in launching the church plant, including a “person of peace” (Lk 10:1-7)
• God would give us a heart for, and eyes to see our neighborhood
Place
• God would confirm the Happy Valley neighborhood as our place of focus
• God would open the door for a place to live in the neighborhood, that’s conducive to ministry
• God would help us find those places in the neighborhood, where our lives can overlap with those in the community
Our poor car is not used to daily commutes, but that’s what it did in February as we had lots of on-site prayer in Bellingham neighborhoods and meetings w/ leaders in Bellingham. The neighborhood that kept coming up in these conversations and prayers was Happy Valley (found between Fairhaven and I-5). It’s a diverse “hood” w/ college students to seniors, and varying economic situations. Unlike the other “hoods” looked at, I found myself day dreaming about life and ministry there. These daydreams include thinking about what local clubs we could join, places we where could live and easily serve our literal neighbors, and daydreams on how we could reach the neighborhood through service & relationships. With this narrowing down, our focus has become to pray for God to raise up folks to serve w/ us for a season in launching the church. We have faith that He will show us who He is raising up.
March Forecast:
In March we hope that God will confirm the call to the Happy Valley neighborhood, and that He will bring folks to us who will join us for a season in starting the church. My hope is to start strategizing how we can grow in the Lord together, while we discern the best way to serve the neighborhood. Part of this strategy is to begin looking for a place to live in the neighborhood, a place where we can host our neighbors and ministry events. Before the move happens, we hope to engage Bellingham as much as possible while still living in Lynden. That means joining clubs and developing deeper relationships w/ our partnerships in Bellingham, including Mosaic and others. We also hope to have a couple prayer times this month, in both Bellingham and Lynden, that will focus on community and Kingdom growth in the County. Stayed tuned to times, places, and an invitation to join us.
please pray with us for…
People
• God would connect us w/ our support base, and Bellingham leaders
• God would rise leaders of prayer/ hospitality, administration/finances, community development/outreach, and children/youth, who will serve w/ us in launching the church plant, including a “person of peace” (Lk 10:1-7)
• God would give us a heart for, and eyes to see our neighborhood
Place
• God would confirm the Happy Valley neighborhood as our place of focus
• God would open the door for a place to live in the neighborhood, that’s conducive to ministry
• God would help us find those places in the neighborhood, where our lives can overlap with those in the community
prayer letter - Feb. 2009
January Summary:
January started off as a weird month. After returning to WA from CO for Christmas, I turned around and returned again to CO to be with my family after my Grandma’s death. Although she was not young, her death made me think of the immediacy of ministry, that we are invited to sprint forward with the light of Christ. My deep desire is to see the hearts of those in darkness come into the light of Jesus. In practical terms, this means our first step is figuring out where and who God is calling us to in Bellingham. So, for the 2nd half of January we began our survey of Bellingham neighborhoods, covering Sehome, York, Lettered Street, South Hill, and Fairhaven. These first visits were soaked with prayer, neighborhoods demographics, and a keen eye for gathering points of residents. These and other neighborhoods in central and south Bellingham are the initial areas where we feel God is leading us. We pray He’ll continue to direct us.
February Forecast:
In the first part of February we hope to finish initially looking at the “hoods” of central and south Bellingham. After this we’ll spend more time in those neighborhoods that God is tugging at our hearts to revisit, hanging out in those community gathering points we observed (coffee shops, parks, etc.). I also am planning on beginning to meet with church, ministry, and community leaders in Bellingham to gain a local perspective in discerning. We hope to have another prayer gathering at the end of February or beginning of March. Our focus in all of these discernment times is to determine “people” and “place,” to listen to who God wants us to serve, who will serve with us, and which neighborhood could be best facilitate relationship building. Please let us know if this strikes a holy chord with you. We appreciate your continued prayers and support.
please pray with us for…
People
• God would allow us to connect with our support base of churches and individuals, and w/ Bellingham community and ministry leaders
• God would rise up a leadership team, passionate to advance God’s kingdom, including that local “person of peace” (Luke 10:1-7)
• God would give a heart for, and eyes to see our focus group, who are on the fringe of faith
Place
• God would call us to serve a specific neighborhood in Bellingham
• God would open doors to get to know folks in the city
• God would help us find those places of community connections (running clubs, neighborhood associations, etc.), where our lives can overlap with those in the community
January started off as a weird month. After returning to WA from CO for Christmas, I turned around and returned again to CO to be with my family after my Grandma’s death. Although she was not young, her death made me think of the immediacy of ministry, that we are invited to sprint forward with the light of Christ. My deep desire is to see the hearts of those in darkness come into the light of Jesus. In practical terms, this means our first step is figuring out where and who God is calling us to in Bellingham. So, for the 2nd half of January we began our survey of Bellingham neighborhoods, covering Sehome, York, Lettered Street, South Hill, and Fairhaven. These first visits were soaked with prayer, neighborhoods demographics, and a keen eye for gathering points of residents. These and other neighborhoods in central and south Bellingham are the initial areas where we feel God is leading us. We pray He’ll continue to direct us.
February Forecast:
In the first part of February we hope to finish initially looking at the “hoods” of central and south Bellingham. After this we’ll spend more time in those neighborhoods that God is tugging at our hearts to revisit, hanging out in those community gathering points we observed (coffee shops, parks, etc.). I also am planning on beginning to meet with church, ministry, and community leaders in Bellingham to gain a local perspective in discerning. We hope to have another prayer gathering at the end of February or beginning of March. Our focus in all of these discernment times is to determine “people” and “place,” to listen to who God wants us to serve, who will serve with us, and which neighborhood could be best facilitate relationship building. Please let us know if this strikes a holy chord with you. We appreciate your continued prayers and support.
please pray with us for…
People
• God would allow us to connect with our support base of churches and individuals, and w/ Bellingham community and ministry leaders
• God would rise up a leadership team, passionate to advance God’s kingdom, including that local “person of peace” (Luke 10:1-7)
• God would give a heart for, and eyes to see our focus group, who are on the fringe of faith
Place
• God would call us to serve a specific neighborhood in Bellingham
• God would open doors to get to know folks in the city
• God would help us find those places of community connections (running clubs, neighborhood associations, etc.), where our lives can overlap with those in the community
prayer letter: Jan. 2009
December Summary:
December was another month of discernment of where God is leading us to plant a church. One highlight of the month included my trip to Seattle to reap wisdom from fellow planters. Another highlight was organizing a great prayer gathering at Jerry and Julie’s home. It was awesome to gather to pray for one another, our churches, and the church plant. We’re planning on having another prayer gathering in February, so let me know and stayed tuned to the blog if you are interested. Kate, Montana, and I also went back to Colorado for Christmas with family. It was great to go, because we figure in the years to come I’ll be busy on that day. When we returned to WA our initial discernment was finished. Along with those close around us, we now feel that God is leading us to start the church in Bellingham. Please continue to pray for us as we explore this leading further.
January Forecast:
For the remainder of January, I plan to keep connecting with our network of supporting churches and individuals. My primary task will be to begin discerning where in the city we should focus our efforts, and who in the city we feel called to both partner with and serve. I hope to spend much time in Bellingham coffee shops, parks, and other places getting to know the different neighborhoods and their residents. I also hope to sit down with Bellingham ministry leaders to discern with them on how we can creatively reach the city for Christ. I invite you to pray with us this month for continued Kingdom growth in Whatcom County. If prayer and community is our foundation, let’s do it together! My prayer for you is from Ephesians, that God would “give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
Please Pray:
1. God would call us to serve a specific neighborhood in Bellingham
-God would open doors to get to know folks in the city
-God would rise up a “person of peace” (Luke 10:1-7), who would be a local ally
2. God would rise up a leadership team, passionate to advance God’s kingdom
-God would call folks to join our efforts, for the beginning season
-God would raise those to fill various roles
3. God would help us discern how we can serve the city
-God would give a heart for, and eyes to see those on the fringe of faith
-God would show us the best church model that would facilitate growth and service
December was another month of discernment of where God is leading us to plant a church. One highlight of the month included my trip to Seattle to reap wisdom from fellow planters. Another highlight was organizing a great prayer gathering at Jerry and Julie’s home. It was awesome to gather to pray for one another, our churches, and the church plant. We’re planning on having another prayer gathering in February, so let me know and stayed tuned to the blog if you are interested. Kate, Montana, and I also went back to Colorado for Christmas with family. It was great to go, because we figure in the years to come I’ll be busy on that day. When we returned to WA our initial discernment was finished. Along with those close around us, we now feel that God is leading us to start the church in Bellingham. Please continue to pray for us as we explore this leading further.
January Forecast:
For the remainder of January, I plan to keep connecting with our network of supporting churches and individuals. My primary task will be to begin discerning where in the city we should focus our efforts, and who in the city we feel called to both partner with and serve. I hope to spend much time in Bellingham coffee shops, parks, and other places getting to know the different neighborhoods and their residents. I also hope to sit down with Bellingham ministry leaders to discern with them on how we can creatively reach the city for Christ. I invite you to pray with us this month for continued Kingdom growth in Whatcom County. If prayer and community is our foundation, let’s do it together! My prayer for you is from Ephesians, that God would “give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.”
Please Pray:
1. God would call us to serve a specific neighborhood in Bellingham
-God would open doors to get to know folks in the city
-God would rise up a “person of peace” (Luke 10:1-7), who would be a local ally
2. God would rise up a leadership team, passionate to advance God’s kingdom
-God would call folks to join our efforts, for the beginning season
-God would raise those to fill various roles
3. God would help us discern how we can serve the city
-God would give a heart for, and eyes to see those on the fringe of faith
-God would show us the best church model that would facilitate growth and service
prayer letter - dec. 2008
November Summary:
This was our first full month of discernment. It was great to be able to connect with many in our network of support, through serving, worshipping, and hanging out. Many of them helped as I conducted on-site prayer and research in Lynden, Everson/Nooksack, Ferndale, and Bellingham. My conversations with residents, law enforcement, church members, and students have been helpful in understanding the personalities of each community. I have been reminded repeatedly of the importance of committing this process to God. The task of starting a new church and reaching those on the fringe of faith is a large one, but we serve a great God who is with us. Thanks for your partnership in this ministry. Your daily prayers on our behalf are coveted; and please let us know how we can pray for you!
December Forecast:
For December, I intend to continue to connect with our network of support, through hanging out, worship, and service. I hope to begin networking with CRC church planters in Seattle by attending their cluster meeting, and network with a Bellingham church planting network. In the spirit of Proverbs 15:22, I’d like to invite you to join us in dedicating a few days in the third week of December to intentional prayer and fasting for the ministry. I am planning on creating a group soon for this purpose, so let me know if you would like to “join up.” We are planning to return to Colorado for Christmas, where, along with visiting, I hope to use the time away to pray purposely in discernment. My prayer is that we will have a firm idea of where God, and who God is calling us to serve by January 1. At that point we will begin planning.
Please Pray:
1. God would call us to serve a specific neighborhood by Jan. 1
-Presently, we’re leaning toward Bellingham, but we are still discerning
-And, that God would rise up a “person of peace” (Luke 10:1-7) in the neighborhood, who would be a local ally
2. God would rise up a leadership team, passionate to advance God’s kingdom
-Specifically, that God would raise those to fill the roles of Administration/Finances, Children/Youth ministry, Community Development/Evangelism, Communications/ Marketing, and Administration/Secretary.
3. God would help us discern an appropriate church model planting
-Specifically, whether a house church model focused on the 4 elements seen in Acts 2:42 is best, and if not that what model would serve our setting
This was our first full month of discernment. It was great to be able to connect with many in our network of support, through serving, worshipping, and hanging out. Many of them helped as I conducted on-site prayer and research in Lynden, Everson/Nooksack, Ferndale, and Bellingham. My conversations with residents, law enforcement, church members, and students have been helpful in understanding the personalities of each community. I have been reminded repeatedly of the importance of committing this process to God. The task of starting a new church and reaching those on the fringe of faith is a large one, but we serve a great God who is with us. Thanks for your partnership in this ministry. Your daily prayers on our behalf are coveted; and please let us know how we can pray for you!
December Forecast:
For December, I intend to continue to connect with our network of support, through hanging out, worship, and service. I hope to begin networking with CRC church planters in Seattle by attending their cluster meeting, and network with a Bellingham church planting network. In the spirit of Proverbs 15:22, I’d like to invite you to join us in dedicating a few days in the third week of December to intentional prayer and fasting for the ministry. I am planning on creating a group soon for this purpose, so let me know if you would like to “join up.” We are planning to return to Colorado for Christmas, where, along with visiting, I hope to use the time away to pray purposely in discernment. My prayer is that we will have a firm idea of where God, and who God is calling us to serve by January 1. At that point we will begin planning.
Please Pray:
1. God would call us to serve a specific neighborhood by Jan. 1
-Presently, we’re leaning toward Bellingham, but we are still discerning
-And, that God would rise up a “person of peace” (Luke 10:1-7) in the neighborhood, who would be a local ally
2. God would rise up a leadership team, passionate to advance God’s kingdom
-Specifically, that God would raise those to fill the roles of Administration/Finances, Children/Youth ministry, Community Development/Evangelism, Communications/ Marketing, and Administration/Secretary.
3. God would help us discern an appropriate church model planting
-Specifically, whether a house church model focused on the 4 elements seen in Acts 2:42 is best, and if not that what model would serve our setting
prayer letter - nov. 2008
Aaron Walters – November 2008 Prayer Report
October Goals:
-1-To begin networking with our support base of churches and individuals in Whatcom County
-2-To pray for and investigate the potential communities and neighborhoods for the new church plant
October Summary:
My activities and time for the first half of the month was focused on two things: preparing for my classical examination (which I passed by God’s grace), and setting our home up for life. After classis I set out to accomplish my two goals (stated above). I believe I got a good start at beginning my task of networking, by participating in the following events: the weekly Lynden pastors breakfasts, council meetings at Bethel CRC and 1st CRC, Whatcom County Cluster meeting, and Classis PNW and BCSE, as well meeting with local youth pastors, local pastors, and potential team members. I was able to attend and/or preach in worship services at Bethel CRC, Mountain View CRC, 3rd CRC, and the Reformation Day service at Sonlight CRC. In addition to these activities, I was able to address my second goal by conducting initial/general demographic studies of Birch Bay, Blaine, Everson/Nooksack, Fairhaven, Ferndale, Geneva, Lynden, and Sudden Valley, as well as conducting on-site data collecting/prayer/observations in each of these neighborhoods/communities. My task was to get a general “feel” and first look at these sites.
November Forecast:
For November, I intend to retain the same goals as October. Although my second goal will focus primarily on learning what the physical and ministry needs are of these sites. I hope to accomplish this through more specific demographic study, on site conversations with pastors, leaders, and residents. At this juncture, I am planning attending the Lynden CRC’s administrator meeting, council meetings at Bethel CRC and Hope in Christ, preaching at 3rd CRC, and my installation service on November 23rd.
Prayer Requests:
-God’s wisdom and protection over our lives as we discern the future
-God would call us to serve a specific neighborhood by Christmas
-God would rise up a leadership team w/ the passion to advance God’s kingdom
-God would use established churches and this church plant to make disciples in Whatcom County
I am blessed by your support at this time, and pray God’s grace for you and your church’s ministry. Thanks you for your partnership.
October Goals:
-1-To begin networking with our support base of churches and individuals in Whatcom County
-2-To pray for and investigate the potential communities and neighborhoods for the new church plant
October Summary:
My activities and time for the first half of the month was focused on two things: preparing for my classical examination (which I passed by God’s grace), and setting our home up for life. After classis I set out to accomplish my two goals (stated above). I believe I got a good start at beginning my task of networking, by participating in the following events: the weekly Lynden pastors breakfasts, council meetings at Bethel CRC and 1st CRC, Whatcom County Cluster meeting, and Classis PNW and BCSE, as well meeting with local youth pastors, local pastors, and potential team members. I was able to attend and/or preach in worship services at Bethel CRC, Mountain View CRC, 3rd CRC, and the Reformation Day service at Sonlight CRC. In addition to these activities, I was able to address my second goal by conducting initial/general demographic studies of Birch Bay, Blaine, Everson/Nooksack, Fairhaven, Ferndale, Geneva, Lynden, and Sudden Valley, as well as conducting on-site data collecting/prayer/observations in each of these neighborhoods/communities. My task was to get a general “feel” and first look at these sites.
November Forecast:
For November, I intend to retain the same goals as October. Although my second goal will focus primarily on learning what the physical and ministry needs are of these sites. I hope to accomplish this through more specific demographic study, on site conversations with pastors, leaders, and residents. At this juncture, I am planning attending the Lynden CRC’s administrator meeting, council meetings at Bethel CRC and Hope in Christ, preaching at 3rd CRC, and my installation service on November 23rd.
Prayer Requests:
-God’s wisdom and protection over our lives as we discern the future
-God would call us to serve a specific neighborhood by Christmas
-God would rise up a leadership team w/ the passion to advance God’s kingdom
-God would use established churches and this church plant to make disciples in Whatcom County
I am blessed by your support at this time, and pray God’s grace for you and your church’s ministry. Thanks you for your partnership.
Monday, June 15, 2009
prayer for that week of 6.15.09
As I think you know we're focusing on 3 things in the plant: social stuff, spiritual stuff, and service stuff.
So for prayer in the social side pray:
-that God would gather folks together for a regular movie night in the late summer/early fall
-that God would bless our Wii bowling tournament in our housing complex
-that God would bless all our times w/ authentic relationships
In the spiritual side, pray:
-that God would speak to us in our new Bible study, that He would bring more people into it, and God would give us greater humility as we look into His word together
-that God would gather folks together for regular times of intentional prayer for our city, neighborhood, and neighbors, hopefully starting regularly in the fall
-God would give us wisdom as we think about building more small groups, and eventually gather them all together for communal worship
In the service side, pray:
-that God would heal the girl, Katcee, we volunteer for. She’s 26 years old, and has cancer, and is in the hospital again, considering chemo.
-that we could be God’s hands and voice to Kaycee
-that God would open a door for us to serve in the elementary school in our neighborhood (tutoring, etc.)
-that God would open a door for me to get funding from Americorp to do the work of community organizing in the hood, which would create many inroads w/ folks for the Kingdom
For other stuff you can pray:
-that God would gather folks to join us in leadership, specifically that God to raise up a strong ministry partner (“person of peace” Lk 10:1-7) to help us w/ weekly plans
-that God would give us wisdom as we potentially pursue a bi-vocational approach to ministry, and starting a business (climbing gym/community center)
-that God would protect our marriage, health, family relationship from forces seen and unseen
-that we could connect w/ our families as we are on vacation this month
Thanks for your prayer for us. Let us know how we can pray for you too.
Blessings,
aa
So for prayer in the social side pray:
-that God would gather folks together for a regular movie night in the late summer/early fall
-that God would bless our Wii bowling tournament in our housing complex
-that God would bless all our times w/ authentic relationships
In the spiritual side, pray:
-that God would speak to us in our new Bible study, that He would bring more people into it, and God would give us greater humility as we look into His word together
-that God would gather folks together for regular times of intentional prayer for our city, neighborhood, and neighbors, hopefully starting regularly in the fall
-God would give us wisdom as we think about building more small groups, and eventually gather them all together for communal worship
In the service side, pray:
-that God would heal the girl, Katcee, we volunteer for. She’s 26 years old, and has cancer, and is in the hospital again, considering chemo.
-that we could be God’s hands and voice to Kaycee
-that God would open a door for us to serve in the elementary school in our neighborhood (tutoring, etc.)
-that God would open a door for me to get funding from Americorp to do the work of community organizing in the hood, which would create many inroads w/ folks for the Kingdom
For other stuff you can pray:
-that God would gather folks to join us in leadership, specifically that God to raise up a strong ministry partner (“person of peace” Lk 10:1-7) to help us w/ weekly plans
-that God would give us wisdom as we potentially pursue a bi-vocational approach to ministry, and starting a business (climbing gym/community center)
-that God would protect our marriage, health, family relationship from forces seen and unseen
-that we could connect w/ our families as we are on vacation this month
Thanks for your prayer for us. Let us know how we can pray for you too.
Blessings,
aa
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