What a year!

Let me start by first saying that I realize that it is March of 2008, but I just spent time looking back at 2007 as I am getting ready to complete New Life's annual report. I decided to go ahead and put the letter that I am including in that report here on my blog. Due to its length, thought breaking it up into 2 parts would be best. Enjoy part 1:

Word from PD...

Loving God and Loving People. What an amazing statement! Five simple words that make up one simple phrase yet have so much power and possibilities tied to them. In 2007, we began to realize what it could look like if a church and those that are a part of it took those words and did not just speak and believe them but lived them out in their surrounding culture.

In January, we had our first ever Small Group Kick Off and began a new approach to connecting with one another through various groups that consisted of Community Groups, Common Interest Groups and Coaching Groups. These groups have created a basis for all of us to connect in various ways with those a part of New Life and those not yet a part of New Life.

In February, we had an incredible time at our Super Sunday Party coming together cheering and celebrating as the Indianapolis Colts won the 2007 Super Bowl. Something my Seattle Seahawks are still trying to figure out how to accomplish. We also had our first ever Married Live event where the married couples of New Life were able to finish off their dates in a warm and fun environment and have some amazing Cheesecake Factory cheesecake.

In March, we saw the beginning of the continuing transformation of our Lobby and Sanctuary as we gave our pews to several churches and replaced them with beautiful, efficient chairs that gave us a versatile Sanctuary that was never available until now. The Lobby also received a makeover as we removed the walls of the old Library/Bookstore and converted that into a Living Room-like environment that people take advantage of every Sunday as well as for other gathering times.

In April, came the launch of one of the most daring and unbelievable outreaches that New Life Community Church has undertaken – The Million Egg Hunt!! In 2007, we laid out 25,000 eggs, gave away countless bikes, baskets and other prizes and saw over 900 people come out despite the dusting of snow, bitter wind and cold temperatures. We are already receiving calls from people about this year’s Million Egg Hunt, whew!