Chapter XV: There's Something Happening Here

Two weeks. In a row. Blog updated on time.

It's ok to be impressed.

Filled with highs and lows, this week was an emotional sugar rush. Had to deal with a pretty hefty downer on Tuesday, but a great weekend experience evened things out. Once again, my two best buddies came up for a great (cold) climbing trip. We spent Friday afternoon climbing at Grand Ledge, camped in Lansing (horrible camp site, but great experience), and then climbed again on Saturday. The weather was pretty wonderful and it was great to climb outdoors and have fun.

Saturday night was our annual Trunk or Treat. It was everything I had hoped it would be, and we had so many people trick-or-treat their way through our parking lot that we all ran out of candy (despite the efforts of multiple candy runs). Over 300 children were exposed to our church!

But the real highlight of my week came with the recognition of our church's growth. Our society, our world, and our community are forcing our church to face necessary changes. Olivet has come to a crossroads, and we're forced to either sink or swim.

And we're starting to learn the breast stroke.

The congregation is becoming more welcoming to our Jr. High students and treating them like family. Little things (like our bulletin) are becoming more simple. Students are starting to take more interest in the politics of our church. People are learning and facing change. Hatred and division are becoming love and unity.

We're getting it.

We are starting to come together and seek God. Resolving our differences and stepping out of our comfort zones to do God's will. Olivet is faced with some grim facts, but also with amazing opportunity to serve God. We're given the chance to step up and really mold our church into something awesome.

And it's happening.

Everyone is talking. Everyone is participating. People are eager to see what's God's going to do in our community.

Ideas are forming. Leaders are rising. People are loving. God is moving.

The ball has started rolling and the momentum is building. BUT misguided momentum is a dangerous thing, and that's why prayer is critical to the ministry of our church. So I'd ask you to continue to lift our church family up to the LORD in prayer.

Witnessing the Work of God,
-B