The Final Countdown

Just one more Sunday before the official launch of Ascension Presbyterian Church and the excitement is building. We had a meeting after the worship service this past week to discuss outreach and follow-up for the big day and beyond. Everyone was excited shared several ambitious and creative ideas for inviting and engaging with friends and neighbors. It's encouraging to see such enthusiasm from our launch community and to consider some great outreach and evangelistic ideas. Several in our church family have expressed to me how thrilled they are to be a part of what God is doing and will do here in central Queens through Ascension Church.

We also have lined up some great musicians to play on Palm Sunday. Our regular pianist is unable to make it that week, but we've found an excellent replacement in a friend of mine from my pre-seminary days. We also have an impressive ensemble which includes a flute, guitar, and stand-up bass. We also have some additional musicians lined up for Easter so we don't have a tremendous letdown the week after our launch... not to mention that it's Easter after all.

We are also renting a smaller space for a Good Friday service and church-wide dinner. One of our home groups is having a Passover Seder with a Messianic Rabbi which will be a more directed outreach given the Forest Hills demographic, and considering that Passover and Easter occur together this year.

This time of year is busy for any church, but for a church about to launch, it's particularly busy for us. Please keep Ascension Presbyterian Church in your prayers during this crucial period.

Big Things Brewing: There are some huge developments with regard to our worship service location. Because the final details about it have not yet been finalized, I'm not at liberty to explain much further. Rest assured, however, it's pretty much a done deal. I can hardly contain myself. I expect to be free to let you know by next week's blog entry. Of course, I can tell you anything you want to know over the phone. Just don't call my cell phone during weekdays before nine at night (EST).

Baby News: Reyn Cabinte, one of my fellow Church Planting Fellows (Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Manhattan) became the proud father of a baby boy today. The only details I know at this point are that his name is Soren and baby and mother are doing fine. Check Reyn's blog on the link to the right. I'm sure he'll post some pictures soon if any of you are interested.