Fall Update

Our lives have felt like a whirlwind the last few months.  We have been working on our new building getting it ready for our Grand Opening and Dedication services on September 16th. The basement remodeling project was a bit more than we initially thought it would be, but in the end, it was worth all the time and effort to see the final product. The basement is now a bright, updated space for our nursery and children's Sunday school classes, as well as a great space for fellowship meals, and has nice, updated restrooms. Throughout the project, Tim had amazing stamina and vision to see the project finished. He and Pastor Fitch spent many, many hours working on details, painting, organizing helpers, as well as keeping up with the daily duties of the ministry.
September 16th was a glorious day with Ray and Ann Gibbs providing special music during the services. Their powerful voices filled our beautiful auditorium and inspired our hearts! There was excitement in the air, the building was full, and the Holy Spirit met with us!  Tim and I were truly overwhelmed as we looked back on the beginning days of our church and remembered all that has taken place since then. Having a permanent place to call our church home has been a constant prayer since before we moved to Branford in 1999.  Pastor Fitch put together a video showing the different locations that our church has met in over the last 13 years and documenting the transformation of the basement of our new location.   Here it is below:


Tim preached a message on "What's the Big Deal?" from I Timothy 3:15.  You can listen to it here: Grand Opening sermon
The dedication service that evening was touching as Tim recognized and thanked all those who gave financially and/or worked on the many different projects that needed to be completed.  Whether it was helping with the move, tearing down walls, pulling up old carpet, laying tile, hanging sheet rock, painting, cleaning, putting up trim, building shelves and radiator boxes, preparing meals for those who were working or completing the many finishing touches, each person was recognized and honored for their service.  It was a truly special day for us...and most of all we give the Lord all the glory for the gift of a permanent location in our town.
The week after the Grand Opening and Dedication, Dr. Rick Flanders came to hold a four-day revival meeting. Many people asked if we could continue the revival meeting and have it all week!  Our hearts were genuinely touched by his messages and many decisions were made to take new steps of faith in our walks with the Lord.  Needless to say, this has been a busy, but exciting few months in the life of our church.
Tim is doing really well physically.  His doctor has now extended his monthly checkups to every two months.  The cancer remains quiet, and his blood work is stable with all his numbers still in the normal range. We are so grateful for the Lord's faithfulness and graciousness to us!  Enjoy these pictures from the Grand Opening service: