Well, we are nearing the "Public Launch" of Great Oaks Church. We rescheduled the launch date to October 10 to avoid conflict with a local event. Our service will being at 10 a.m., thus our public launch will be 10/10/10 at 10, an easy date and time to remember for years to come!
Preparing for take off
With just 4 weeks to go to our public launch, we are beginning our pre-launch services this coming Sunday, September 12. We are currently seeing between 50-60 people in attendance on Sunday mornings, and between 60-70 people are attending home churches each week. We hope to at least double our Sunday attendance on October 10. We are doing several things to reach that goal. - We've planned a pig-roast for a low threat place to invite friends.
- We're going door-to-door to distribute 4000 Great Oaks info brochures and invitations to our public launch.
- People at Great Oaks are praying about who they can invite to our launch or to their home church.
- I'm going to be calling Great Oaks to a season of prayer and fasting to ask for God's favor and protection.
We're excited about what God is doing. Team members are regularly involved in sharing their faith with others, inviting others, and showing the love of Christ. We successfully began our third Home Church and are seeing growth at each location. God also provided an admin assistant who also has volunteered to lead our youth! Paul Hefferon, a young man who recently came to Great Oaks and who is training for the Olympic marathon with the Hansons-Brooks Running Project, joined our staff last week.
Financial Update
Last week I sent you a copy of an urgent financial update. The funding from the RCA Classis of Lake Erie has concluded and we are now dependent on the giving of our small team and the generous gifts of friends outside of Great Oaks who believe in our vision.
I have had response from the update and we've seen an increase in giving. Its too soon to evaluate what our financial outlook will be. I will keep you updated. I am very thankful for the supportive emails, comments and letters from friends both in Great Oaks and outside of Great Oaks. I confidently believe God for provision.
Bradford Family Update
David decided not to go back to Grand Valley, but rather to take a year off until he has a clearer understanding of what career he should pursue. Tammy and I were both fully supportive of his decision. He is now looking for a full time job, and will live either in Holland or with us. Stephen began his senior year in high school yesterday. So far so good. Aleyse continues to work for McEntire Pilates as concierge, and Laura is enjoying her new job at The Company Store just outside of Manhattan. Tammy is teaching more private piano students than ever in her life, and as always is loved by her parents and kids alike.
Love, Paul & Tammy
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