what a weekend

This past weekend, our church turned a corner in it's 90 year history. We held our groundbreaking ceremony to start construction on our new building, which has been called "broadway project" for the past few years and will eventually hold a new name. I like the name "What Would Jesus Build".

It was a long weekend. Good thing God gave me a flexible wife who values church ministry, cuz I was AWOL from Wednesday to Sunday afternoon. Rehearsing for three different worship sets made for a confusing, yet challenging experience.

On Saturday morning, we celebrated our past, present, and future. Don Bubna (pastor from 1964-1987), Morris Dirks (1988-2000), Matt Boda (interim 2000-2002), Gary Benedict (president of the C&MA), and Janet Taylor (Mayor of Salem) spoke on chapters of SAC's history and looked ahead to the near future. Kara and I soon realized that we were in the middle of something great...something big...something supernatural. Humbled by God's goodness at bringing us here for this time and season, we looked at each other with a look that said "i can't believe we get to be a part of this."

Some other highlights of the weekend:

The appearance of John Stumbo. Our lead pastor has been sick for a LONG time, and has come back from the brink of death. There were rumors going around that he might show for the groundbreaking ceremony...and he did. He hobbled up to the podium with the help of his wife and his trusty walker. It was the longest standing ovation I've ever heard, and there was not a dry eye in the place.

It was humbling to pray in the "green room" with all of these giants of faith. It was kind of like praying with Moses, Elijah, & Abraham.

Here are some pics of the weekend.