We are so grateful for the start the Lord has given us here at Lake Hills. Here are a few things that come to mind.
First, Pastor Phil has been very helpful to me. I’ve noticed many details he has taken care of that shows he really wants me to get off to a good start. We continue to meet weekly on Tuesdays to make sure we’re on the same page.
Second, the staff has been wonderful. They’ve been gracious with me and helpful. I’ve been doing one-on-one meetings with each paid staff member. Each of those times have been helpful. I think we’re already establishing a good relationship.
Third, the deacons have been very supportive. In fact, deacon chair Justin Lundy and I just agreed to have a weekly coffee so we can stay on the same page. We both realize the need for us to prioritize that relationship. Pray the Lord would unify us in Christ for the good of Lake Hills!
Lastly, all of you have been a blessing. Thank you for receiving us and being patient as we try our best to learn names. (Also, if you wore name badges we wouldn’t hate it!) 🙂
Orientation Phase
I told the staff that I’m viewing the first few weeks and months of being here like an orientation. There is a lot to learn that is very basic–even things like which key goes to which building! To help us in the orientation phase, here’s some things we have been doing.
Bro. Forrest Lambeth asked me to stick my head in on the Men’s Fraternity one Saturday morning. I love his heart for the Lord to work in men and know God will continue to use this ministry.
Lynsey and I enjoyed attending the Sunday School class in the Gathering Place last Sunday. Mr. Glover taught and really did well. The Lord Jesus comforted my heart as he taught about fear. It was also nice to chat with several afterward.
John and Roenna Iwema invited us over their house for Memorial Day. It turned out to be a Life Group get together. I was pretty tired–especially after that great kabob hit my stomach–but we still enjoyed spending time with them. Also, while playing corn hole, it became clear to me that the men in that Life Group, including Dave Kerner, need to repeat 3rd grade math! 🙂
Rich Kuiken invited me to go with him to the Courtside Ministry. I went yesterday morning and enjoyed it. What a worthwhile ministry! You get to pray with people who are facing very difficult situations and even share the gospel with some. Rich obviously has a heart for it. I also spoke with Don Smith, Carla Pyle, and Judy Burley, who were doing a great job! If the Lord is wanting you to grow in your boldness for Him, talk to Rich about Courtside. This is a really great opportunity not just to impact people, but grow in your faith.
We also went to Alive a few Wednesdays ago and loved it! Pastor Adam asked me to play a certain part in a game in the field where I had to run. Would you believe those jokers ganged up on me!? 🙂
Continuing Orientation
Soon I’ll move to assessment where I share some observations with key leaders and discuss any action steps the Lord might be leading us to take. But until then, the orientation phase continues in the following areas.
Music
Moving forward, I plan on going to music practices on Wednesday nights for the time being to see how things function. The Lord is working in several different capable servants, which is really cool to see! Several of them have expressed wanting some input and direction from me. I hope to equip them well over the next several months.
Life Groups and Bible Classes
We’ve been to some Life Groups already, but we look forward to going to several more soon. If you’d like us to come to yours, just contact my wife Lynsey, who is much better at that sort of thing than I am. You can find her contact information on Breeze or calling the church office. I also hope to attend the other adult Bible classes on Sunday morning as time allows.
Children and Student Ministries
Pastor Adam and Christy are so capable that I hope I just don’t mess them up! But I do plan on hanging around their ministries so I can learn and see how to help them in the future. Thank you to everyone who volunteers so faithfully! You are all gems!
More One on Ones
Several more one on ones await. I appreciate your prayers for those. They’re very helpful for me to learn about all that God is doing here.
Keep These in MInd
- Pray for us as the Spirit of Jesus leads you.
- Continue to be supportive of Pastor Phil and Sarah in their last few weeks here.
- Consider joining a prayer team for me related to my preaching. I plan on writing my sermons on Thursdays. If you’d like to be on the team, I’ll add you to a texting group that I text when I’m writing the sermon to request prayer. Just text me at 248.835.9106 your name and that you want to be on the prayer team and I’ll add you.
- If you’d like to have a private meeting with me for any reason, click this link and sign up for the time that works best for you. This program is tied to my personal calendar and only shows available times. Once you sign up it will automatically add it to my calendar.
20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV)
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