What can happen in five years?

A baby in our arms begins attending school. We can go from married with no kids to two kids and a third on the way! A senior in high school can graduate from college and be employed in a full-time job.

The Colts went from Super Bowl champs (2007) to a record of 2-14 (2011). Sorry to remind you about that. And, Apple went from introducing the iPhone (also in 2007) to selling 310 million by 2012.

A lot can happen in five years!

Our first services in our new building were on September 9, 2012. When people ask me if those five years have gone by quickly, I usually respond, “Yes and no.” Some weeks I find myself thinking, “Where has the time gone? It seems like we just moved in the new building!” Other weeks it seems like it has been a long five years. I’m sure you can relate.

Through it all, God has been incredibly faithful. That is worth celebrating!

As you read the Old Testament, you see God’s special relationship with the nation of Israel. One predominant theme is that God wanted His people to set aside time to celebrate. You continually read about festivals and feasts that God established for the nation. Another theme is that God wanted them, when they celebrated, to remember what He had done. What’s the connection between celebration and remembering? Celebration often triggers memories.

So on the weekend of September 9-10, 2017, we will celebrate and remember what God has done! I can’t wait!

And, in conjunction with the theme of FIVE!, we will have a unique opportunity for the five days leading up to that weekend to celebrate by reaching out to those around us. Stayed tune for that.

This is a day to remember. Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord. (Exodus 12:14, NLT)

Whatever it takes,

Jerry