We Have A Church

So, I left a church in the fall of 2014 because I felt the Lord leading me to do so. I didn't really know why at the time. -I'm still not sure exactly. I was a member for 10 years. I led classes there. The kids and I had built a lot of relationships there. In fact, I was in the middle of a study called "Created To Be God's Friend" by Henry Blackaby. -And I was in a chapter that was discussing leaving your plans to follow God. ...I was planning to be an Elder there. Oh the irony...

I speculated that it was more about my husband and our family. I've gone primarily to another over the last year while still trying a few others. This season simply felt like a "waiting period". A time to uproot in several areas and a time to sift and wait on the Lord. One of my best friends goes there and will be moving soon. We barely see each other outside of church. There is also a bible study group that I always got a lot from. But the Methodist church could be facing some big changes in voting this year and there's no telling how this church will be impacted. I just felt like the Lord was saying, don't commit, relax and learn everything you can; spend all the time that you can with this group while you have the opportunity to do so. -A gift.

FAST FORWARD

You may have seen an article in the Gazette in the last month of a Baptist church that had to close its doors. They had 2 properties and donated both to 2 separate churches. (Nearly unheard of.) I went to the original church in middle school and had fond memories. The last few years have had a significant decline. Anyway, the larger portion was donated to Bridge Point, who had been meeting at the Gloucester Moose Lodge. The Pastor's family had also briefly been my neighbor.

The announcement said that the first service would be on Easter Sunday. I just knew that I had to go. So I did.  

As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, my eyes began to sting. It was just as I expected. Nearly every spot was full. Walking inside the whole church was buzzing and the sanctuary was packed. -To the tune of over 740 people! The first song that they sang was perfect too. It was Here as in Heaven by Elevation Church! Check out the full lyrics. And as I read the words on the screen:

A miracle can happen now
For the spirit of the Lord is here
The evidence is all around
That the spirit of the Lord is here

I thought of the miracle of being given a church. A pretty hefty one to be exact. ...That was definitely a God thing! Heck look at all of the people here! And as I completed the thought, I was reminded of one of the main themes from a study called, Experiencing God. "See where God is working and join him." I received my answer. We will be joining Bridge Point. The kids are thrilled and so am I. I can't wait to see what else the Lord has in store! :)