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Launch Community
Saturday morning (3.7.09) rolled around and our very first Launch Community* was upon us. I didn’t really know what to expect, whether those who had RSVP’d or said, “Hey I’ll be there,” would actually show up or if we’d be left standing there at square-one needing to seriously retool our entire approach towards planting this new church. Fortunately, my greatest fears and the worst-case scenario didn’t play out before my very eyes!
As we prepared and envisioned what our first Launch Community would look like I said time and again, “If we have 10 people there that’d be great! If we have 15 that’d blow my mind!” Well, neither of those classifications fit. For our very first Launch Community, 17 people showed up to participate in this new thing taking shape in the city! I could hardly believe it, but it left me realizing two things that morning: 1) There is a real need in this city for a new church; 2) God is up to something BIG!
We spent the morning introducing ourselves to each other, eating a fantastic brunch and dreaming together of what this new church could look like to truly make a difference in the city of San Francisco. We talked about how we can impact the community for good—to literally be an integral part of helping this city succeed—to how we could serve the city and the important aspects of who we truly want to be at our very core. It was a fun morning, an exciting morning, and the anticipation for what’s next was palpable! I can’t wait till next month… April 4th at 10:30a when we get to do it again and take another BIG step forward towards launching this new church. I’m looking forward to seeing who’ll join us next, who’ll step up to the plate and how God will continue to bring together the right people for this time to create something that will long outlive all of us!
Please pray for our next Launch Community coming up on April 4th. We’re praying, preparing and hoping for an even bigger crowd to help build some amazing momentum to propel us towards October and our public launch!
Be sure to check out pictures from our launch community!
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*Launch Community is a gathering of people who are interested in joining with us in launching this new church in the city of San Francisco. It’s made up of people in our small groups and people we’ve met around the city.
Grace & Peace,
Aaron, Justin & The San Francisco Project Team
Generosity in Action
Last weekend Tracy and I were able to visit some dear friends in the San Diego area who four months ago planted Momentum Christian Church in the city of Chula Vista. On Sunday morning we were able to share with the entire church about our endeavor in the city of San Francisco to plant a new, reproducing church that will help people find their way back to God.
I've been able to travel around the country quite a bit the past several months and share about this new church and it's always a thrill to be in front of new crowds and see their eyes light up as we share what's possible in this amazing city. A couple of times we've been bowled over with generosity from these churches as they've presented us with checks and gifts of varying amounts and types, but nothing prepared me for what we experienced at Momentum.
As Chris wrapped up his interview of me he told the church of his desire to partner with us in making this new church in San Francisco a reality but was uncertain of what exactly that would look like. (Understandably so, they're a four-month-old church still being supported from churches from around the country.) "However," he said, "we've been keeping a secret from you all weekend long. Three weeks ago we decided as a church that we wanted to give you our entire weekend offering and use it to help you start this new church..." Immediately, I began to tear up absolutely astounded by this community's generosity and commitment to helping people find their way back to God not only in Chula Vista but up the coast in San Francisco as well. Chris went on to tell the church that three weekends ago, the offering they took up was $5,100 (a huge offering for a four-month-old church) and since that weekend their offerings have skyrocketed!"
Pray it up!
praises
» Our small groups continue to grow and we’re adding new leaders monthly!
» God continues to network us with some amazing people here in the city that are committed to helping this new church get launched and to help people find their way back to God!
prayer
» Our second Launch Team Gathering is next Saturday (April 4th). Pray that new people would join us!
» For continued opportunities to network with the movement leaders of this city!
» Wisdom for how to best reach out and serve the city in new, loving ways!
» For financial support for the new church and our new staff members who are coming out and are raising their own support.
| *email: info@thesfproject.org | *web: http://thesfproject.org |
| The San Francisco Project | PO Box 77470 | San Francisco | CA | 94107-77470 |
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