New beginnings

Hello all.
There have been lots of things happening here lately that I feel that I should share with you.
We have been led by God's Holy Spirit to attend another church. We attended there sometimes when we had car troubles or were running late. They have always been nice to us and welcomed us. We love the music and the Pastor always has an anointed message. They are a more Charismatic style and they are growing. Plus the church is about 2 or 3 minute walking distance from home! It sure is nice to have other couples there who are closer to our age and situation. They are sure into giving back to the community, which is refreshing to see. It has been definitely interesting being at the new church every week. I have joined the worship team, well I've been to a couple of practices and its a whole new level of worship for me. I am not used to singing with other instruments other than a piano. The caliber of musicians is phenomenal as one of the members has 5 degrees in music!!! WOW!!!! It should be awesome. What a learning experience I am in for! Even the pre-service prayer time is wonderful! They intercede for the community and are loud and pray specific, pinpoint prayers. Wow! I am not used that at all. Also, I was asked to help with the fellowship times. I was wanting to help so I thank GOD for these opportunities to serve.

I really am not sure what happened with our old church, but something is missing. Is that Something or is it SOMEONE?? Hmmm, I wonder. I do not want to slander the denomination, because they as a church has been really really good to us over the years. Therefore, I will not mention that particular denomination. When it's Spirit led then what can you do right? At our old church, they cut out most of the outreach including the food bank due to budgetary constraints. That is something that grieves the Holy Spirit don't you think? I hope and pray that this changes there soon. They are now showing signs of a dying church and I don't think I can grow at a dying church.
At our old church, there was a farewell time of fellowship this past Sunday night for a couple of friends who are leaving and heading to the east coast. Their names are Todd and Natalie. They are a fabulous couple who are anointed by God, that is for certain. They have started and have run a compassionate ministry that counsels people probono. It has touched countless lives. She has the gift of music and encouragement. She can sing like an angel and has mentored and supported me since I have known her. And he is so super smart and hilarious! They are both so down to earth and humble. My husband and him have become almost best friends. He also recently became ordained. We had the privilege of being there for the ordination service. We are going to miss them terribly. Even our daughter will miss Pastor Todd as he always makes kids feel special. He's got that knack. We released Todd and Natalie to do what God has called them to do. It was really moving. We hate to see them go, but we have to obey the Holy Spirit. And besides, we will have somewhere to visit when we go on our road trip next summer. Bonus! God has some amazing plans for their lives and I am sure it will be awesome. I have no idea what that is, but it will be wonderful.
Another pastoral couple, Mark and Kathy have recently accepted a request to pastor a church in a town a couple of hours south of here. They are a young family with three young children. Mark and Kathy started a congregation 4 years ago and it has grown with the help of the Holy Spirit. But it hasn't been perfect. People get in the way of the Spirit and things start to go down hill. But they are happy and there is another couple taking over the congregation who seemed excited to be there. Mark and Kathy have some obstacles in their way, like getting a new home and making sure that their current home is taken care of. But it will work out. So we released them as well into their new pastoral position. Our former senior pastor was proud of them and their accomplishments and grateful to have mentored them. He brought us all to tears. We surrounded these two wonderful couples of GOD and prayed for them and released them from ministry at the church. They will be missed by many.


Romans 8:28 " And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them."