August 26, 2007

 

Sharing the Good News

After months of conversation, consultation, and deliberation, our insurance company has given our

congregation permission to proceed with the contractor on repairing the ceiling in our sanctuary.

We are happy to report that the wood has been ordered. It will take about six weeks for it to be milled

and delivered, and then approximately six weeks for installation.

In the meantime other work is proceeding. The stained glass window is scheduled to be installed the

week after Labor Day. The new organ has been purchased. The new piano will be delivered soon.

The new steeple is in production. The new pews will be ready to install once the ceiling is completed

and the carpet is down. New lighting fixtures will be ordered soon, and there are plans in place to

refinish the pulpit. We are well on our way to being able to worship in our sanctuary before the end of the year.

That is great news! I hope you will celebrate it and share it with your friends, relatives, associates,

and neighbors. We anticipate being able to move back into the sanctuary around the same time many

people are thinking about returning to church. We have an extraordinary opportunity to invite people

to consider the possibility of an even more ambitious restoration project God began over two thousand

years ago when Jesus was born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger.

Of course, God continues to restore people, reconcile relationships, and redeem situations every day.

And every day, you have the opportunity to share that good news with the people you meet. Extraordinary

Christians focus on developing ways to share the good news of God’s amazing grace. Join me in praying

that more and more members of St. Mark will accept the challenge to reach those around them with the

extraordinary good news of new life through faith in Jesus Christ.
 

Ashley