Day 3: May 7Scripture: Acts 1:1-8 It was July 1986. Becca and I had just brought our family to Virginia Beach to start a new church. It was overwhelming! Where do you start when your congregation consists of your wife, two children... and your dog? Where do you meet when there is no building? Had the Virginia Conference made a mistake? Had God goofed? This faith-venture may have been a new beginning; however.... Acts 1 begins with the author sharing a scene where Jesus (already crucified and resurrected; but not ascended) appeared before his startled followers. Immediately, they wanted to know what Jesus was going to do ("Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom of Israel?" (v. 6). Instead, he told them "...you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (v. 8). Could Jesus' call have been any clearer? Could it be any clearer today? Throughout the summer and fall of 1986, as we began to visit...and visit...and visit; and, as we began to invite... and invite... and invite (!); the words of Acts 1: 8 remained a central focus for the launching of this new faith-community known today as Courthouse Community United Methodist Church. Was this an easy new church start? Not at all! Was it a fast start? Hardly! However, from the first worship in an elementary school cafeteria in October 2006, to the charter service in a circus tent on Palm Sunday 2007, through a multitude of building programs, and under the great leadership of two subsequent pastors, the common intent of all who visited, all who gave their lives to Christ, all who tithed their gifts and services, and all identified this church as their faith-home, never wavered. We were to be Christ's witnesses to one and all, even to the ends of the earth. That focus remains alive today. Alleluia! Prayer: Dear God, may you continue to clearly lead your people to share Christ's grace and love with the many who still don't know You but for whom Your church exists in order that, together, we may be your witnesses throughout Your kingdom. Amen. Bruce Tuttle |