Perhaps I am still on the ‘mountaintop’ following PCN’s Easter worship and the retelling of the greatest love story there ever was, but I can’t help but share the message of resurrection and new life. This happens most years for me, but this year has held such great significance. I’ve been through my own season of personal discernment and have experienced the gift of new life on so many occasions this year, big and small. Ironically enough, having done a large number of Celebration of Life services this past year, remembering the lives of some truly inspirational disciples of Jesus Christ has revealed to me again God’s goodness and love. It has strengthened the hope I experience every day.
But I’ve also experienced resurrection in our church at PCN. Friends, it’s no secret we’ve been through so many changes in so short a time. Some of them were planned, but most simply happened, and we’ve faithfully followed the Holy Spirit as we’ve adapted. I’m so proud of how our leaders have responded to so much and just how supportive you, as the congregation has been throughout. Of course, opinions have been robust and even at odds at times, but that’s why our movement forward has been ever more impactful and meaningful.
In short, our church has been and is experiencing resurrection and new life. Not all churches have been as resilient and enduring through as much change as we have in so short a time. And I know it’s the power of resurrection at work in our community. Thank you, my friends, for your faithfulness and your commitment to Jesus Christ in the community at PCN.
But I think this motif is not over. New life is not a passing phase. New life will define the future of PCN. Here’s where we’re going:
- As I write this, a Youth Director search team is being formed to find a Youth Director to join our awesome staff, to build up and develop an impactful, faith-forming youth program.
- We continue to build our mission strategy to focus on relationships first with the non-profits we support, followed by hands- and feet-involvement, and lastly through finances.
- We continue to build relationships with the community and community organizations, to create visibility of our church and what Christ is doing here.
- We are revitalizing our facilities and grounds to be more welcoming, hospitable, and accessible to the community. This will involve things like looking at updating our parking lot, our worship space including the sound system and our gathering spaces. Expanding and updating Trevitt Hall to accommodate our congregation is also under exploration.
- Our music program is continuing to grow and expand. Instead of two programs we’ve been able to unify into one, wholistic music program incorporating a variety of music styles and expressions. The bell choir has expanded, and we’re working to build up our choir again.
- We’ve seen a rise in the number of people visiting our church and are developing new strategies for welcoming and connecting people into the life of the church.
- Our safety team has worked and continues to work diligently to make our campus safer and more accessible for all people.
We have a vision for our future at PCN, and we’re moving toward it with humility and faithfulness. It’s an exciting time in the life and ministry of the church.
And you can help be a part of it in so many different ways. Pray. Pray for our church and God’s work here. Get to know your pew neighbors. Spend time with them. Share life with them. Share your testimony of Christ with your neighbors. Invite people to church or a church activity. Join a team or a life group. Become an elder or deacon. Volunteer for events and activities. Tithe and give generously.
And I have one more suggestion that perhaps we don’t talk about very often. What about considering a legacy gift to PCN? We all know we can’t take our worldly possessions or wealth with us when Jesus calls us home, but these gifts to the church could be a blessing to Jesus’ Church at PCN as we continue to be the body of Christ long into the future. Legacy gifts can help the church not just endure into the future, but faithfully and courageously answer God’s call. What if your legacy gift could help PCN redevelop and expand Trevitt Hall to make room for future growth so our congregation can have fellowship indoors? What if your legacy gift could help us repave our parking lot, or make our campus ADA compliant? What if your legacy gift could help us renovate the entirety of our facilities to better foster our call to be ‘a beacon of hope, reviving the world through God’s love?’
God is doing amazing and miraculous things at PCN, and we have the great blessing to be a part of it together. Prayerfully consider how you might be a part of what God is up to at PCN, and let’s jump in together.
With humility and grace,
Pastor Adam
