I’m still basking in the wonderful Lent and Easter we had together. I’m filled with gratitude for all the interaction we had over Golden Threads. So many conversations as you quested ever more deeply into the heart of Scripture!  We distributed 2100 copies of the book, and it’s pretty hard to scare up an extra copy anywhere. Astoundingly, we had more than 8165 listens to our podcast! More than 30 community groups met weekly and our full worship services felt so vibrant. 

 

Now, even as the light grows daily longer and stronger, the church of Christ rises in anticipation. We soon celebrate his ascension to heaven and the sending of the Holy Spirit. In worship, we will take up the Book of Acts, considering what happened as the disciples bore witness to the risen Jesus. But also, your church is ascending in fulfilling our strategic plan. Read on!

 

Architects for Master Campus Plan

 

Last year, in our congregational survey you identified facilities and parking as a high priority. We put together a very skilled team to coordinate the development of a ten year master plan for our campus. Chaired by Scott Bardwell, this taskforce includes Will Adams, Sally McBride, Laurie Lemoine, Heather Kirkpatrick, Dan Zito, Allision Keppinger, Pat Kerr, Keely McMillan, Brett Furr, and Debbie Copeland. The team has been meeting since January. We reviewed carefully the priorities of the strategic plan. We explored the theology of the built environment, asking what facilities represent to our mission and discipleship. 

 

 

Then we set out to find the architectural firm that could best help us design the plan. After extensive interviews, we settled on Tipton Associates, a local firm with more than 145 years of experience. They will lead us through a congregational process of identifying what matters most to us in any renovations or expansions. I look forward to your participation in this clarifying process. Just by the way, we are all committed to preserving the architectural integrity and beauty of our historic campus! The central questions relate to security, people flow, updates, parking, gathering, and best use of our spaces for ministry.  

 

The Sanctuary of North Baton Rouge

 

We’re now in our second year of beginning a church plant in north Baton Rouge. We’ve identified a store front for our church. It’s in a center off Florida and Donmoor. Ron Hicks recently joined our church and our staff. He is busy meeting people in the neighborhood, nurturing his core leaders, and preparing for an official launch toward the end of the year. Meanwhile, we hope to do some appealing renovations at our new site to prepare it for worship. Please keep this project in your prayers. A church plant that lasts for years takes years to establish! After all, our own First Presbyterian took 13 years to get chartered!

 

Much more will be coming our way this summer, but for now, know that I always love being your pastor.