I've been trying all week to update this blog. Everytime I tried I got some kind of error. Couldn't connect or something...but now it seems to be working fine.
So here's a summary of what's going on in my life:

• It's been a full week. I have spent a lot of time with people who are struggling with their marriages. I have dealt with all kinds of relationship issues. It seems like 2009 is going to be a tough year, for a lot of people, in a lot of ways.

• I will be setting some goals in the next week or so. Nancy and I are going to set some family and personal goals together later next week. I am excited and terrified all at the same time at what God is going to lead us through this year.

• I have seen some amazing things happen with finances - getting the Monroe Campus open in time for Christmas eve. We are still about $12,000 in need. The work has been done, that's just the amount we owe to contractors. But I know that God will provide...pray for that with me.

• I'm looking forward to another great church service on Sunday. We have so many amazing and dedicated volunteers - in every area of ministry. It would be impossible to make the weekend service happen without your help!

• We had three first time guests last Sunday - AWESOME! I can't wait to see who God brings our way this weekend.

For those interested, we posted a recap of our family's 2008 happenings. You can check it out here.

I am not sure what to say. It's almost surreal. We had our first service in our building tonight. I was blown away! God is just awesome. It's only by His Grace that we were even able to be in that building tonight.

The band, the drama, the sound, the production...everything went without a hitch. We even had working heat :)

Here are some pictures:


























































Well - Merry Christmas Ya'll!

Hello one and all,

I just finished talking with the fire marshal and the building inspector. We have Temporary Occupancy - praise God!

We have a short list of minor issues to resolve - we will have our services tomorrow night as planned.

Thanks to everyone who played a part in making this a reality!

Merry Christmas

Geoffrey

Here it is! The day before Christmas Eve.

It's hard to believe we are having our first service in our new location TOMORROW night! I want to invite one and all to one of our Christmas Eve services. Services will be held on Wednesday, December 24 at 3:30 and 5:30.

We have a great evening planned, with great music, some drama, and we will also celebrate communion as a part of our candlelight service.

I hope you can make it - and don't forget to invite a friend!

See you tomorrow!

Geoffrey

Despite being back in the school auditorium for one more week, our service yesterday turned out to be pretty amazing. I told Nancy I think it is one of the best services we've had since I've been serving as the campus pastor in Monroe. Here are some highlights:

• The band rocked! Way to go Zach - you guys did an amazing job!
• There was a buzz of excitement in the room. You can feel it all around. Everyone is pumped about what is coming next.
• Thanks Alan & Alan & Mike, our production crew! The projector we've been using, along with the 100ft cable, are already installed in the new building...but you guys were able to improvise and really came through despite several roadblocks.

It's been a whirlwind of a week for me. I was reminded Friday night that I have failed to keep you up to date on the latest in Monroe! I left you hanging! I apologize.

We were supposed to have inspections on Wed, which we moved to Thursday. We had two inspectors walk through the building and point out a couple of very minor issues (which we have already taken care of). We were unable to have the fire inspection because our friendly HVAC company dropped the ball and failed to install the duct sensor smoke detectors (which they insisted had been done weeks ago). Finally on Thursday they admitted their failure and fixed the problem.

Now all we are waiting on is the Fire Alarm company to come back and finish testing their system - and for the electricians to finish their work.

We are scheduled to have our final inspections on Monday. Please be in prayer for this. And I will do my best to update you with the good news!