12.18.11

Emergence held their very first service in the new facility this past Sunday December 18th! It was an incredible day all around.  We had 1200 people in attendance, and Ryan preached about the person of Mary, clarifying common misconceptions and error regarding her, and what we can learn from the undeserved favor God bestows to those whom He chooses.  There are still a few things to continue to tweak and finish up but Lord willing, in 2012, we will be able to move full steam ahead in establishing deep missional communities in the area and growing deep disciples so that we can send them out to plant churches.  Pray for the staff of emergence in this new season, as they were not expecting to have so many new guests, that we would shepherd the flock with diligence and intentionality and for wisdom to lead as God builds His church.  It has been more than humbling to witness first hand God's powerful hand in this area and a gift for us to be able to walk through this process with these faithful, gospel centered, disciples in North Jersey.

Here are some pictures from our official first service this past Sunday, wrapping up last minute details before the opening and the outside of the building.

Planting of Emergence!

We have some exciting news after long hours of work the past couple of weeks. Emergence is officially relocating and planting themselves as an independent church this Sunday December 18th!  We have been working many late nights over the past couple of weeks with many other members of Emergence in preparation for the move. All major inspections were passed this week and our big prayer is for the final  C.O. (Certificate of Occupancy) inspection happening today. Lord willing, if that is provided, we move in on Sunday! 

Walking through this process with Emergence's relocation has been extremely fruitful for me personally. The privilege of sitting in meetings and walking through all the different processes, prayer meetings, board meetings, elder meetings, building meetings, and discussions that have taken place for such a massive move like this have been a rich experience. I wish I could put into words all that I've been able to glean over the past 3 months.  

We wanted you all to be able to celebrate the move with us and what God is doing up here.  Below is a  picture of our final service in the old facility last sunday December 11th (top photo.) We had so many in attendance that we ran out of chairs. By God's grace and providence the timing of the move is impeccable.  The second picture gives you a look at the new facility, where there is room to grow and reach people for the Kingdom, and as we expand and grow deep, send people out to plant gospel driven churches.

We are thankful for all of you who have been walking with us through this time of change, through your prayer, support and encouragement.  God has been faithful, and is continuing to teach us much about Himself, our deep need for Him daily, and His everlasting love and mercy that is given each day.  We praise Him that he is immutable, one that never changes.  We miss all of you dearly, and pray each of you are celebrate the riches that Christ bought for us as we enter into this season!