We have now been living in Warren, Michigan for seven months. We're working with Kensington Church and the Reformed Church in America (RCA) to plant a new contemporary, Spirit-filled, Christ centered congregation that will be located in Rochester Hills. The original plan was to work with Kensington to send out publicity and do a major presentation to see if we could raise a viable plant team by the end of December 2008. For various reasons the plans have been postponed several times. We did send out a large mailing, and will be doing the presentation before the Kensington congregation in a couple of weeks. In the meantime, things have begun to happen.

Only two months ago we had not yet had the opportunity to connect with potential team members. At that time no one really knew who we were. Today, as I write, dozens of people are prayerfully considering joining this new work. We are encouraged and thankful. Over and over again people share that for months God had been stirring in their hearts about a church transition, and when they heard of Great Oaks we were just what their hearts were longing for! We sense that Jesus is at work building His Church, something only he can do!

We have held two "Village Gatherings" so far. A Village at Great Oaks is a medium sized group (20-30) that meets for worship, corporate prayer, teaching, the Lord's Supper, community and sharing. The Village is also missional - reaching out together into the community. The concept is innovative, and so far we really like what we see God doing!