In many ways our first worship gathering on Easter 2010 was like the birth of a child: a little messy, some painful moments (speaker feedback anyone?), certain uncertainty, and some frenetic times…BUT…those moments gave way to a sense of joy that I, and those that were there, felt during it all…the message of hope in the Gospel, people worshipping, relationships forming, kids learning and having fun. And, this happened all in the heart of Phoenix and on a stage known city-wide for its risqué theater, certainly not a place where people would come to hear the message of Christ. Well, we changed that yesterday! As I reflected on the day with friends yesterday at our house (which was a great time too) and again this morning with others, I am thankful for all that God did and for all who got to be a part of it. I heard so many great comments about the service, the location, etc… To you 80 people who were there, made up of people all over the Phoenix Metro area, including several from our own neighborhood, we were blessed to have you.

So… where and what now? Great question. We learned a lot yesterday and it was an invaluable experience for us going forward. Some things we will do again; some things we may not. One thing that keeps coming to me over and over is this: day|twelve will not be built primarily on “inviting people to a church service” but will be built more on us being a part of this community, building relational trust, showing people Christ and letting that give birth to a church that is by and of this community; a church that will make a lasting impact here. Now, don’t get me wrong, we will have weekly services when the time is right and I pray someday we have to rent Chase Field for an Easter service but until then we build person by person, serving this community and letting the church grow from that.

Practically speaking, we are beginning a Sunday evening dinner/study/gathering in our home on April 18th. We anticipate this including sort of a ‘pot luck’ dinner, lots of hanging out and learning. If you’d like more information about how to be involved, just CONTACT US. As for the next “formal” “large” gathering…stay tuned because we will be giving more information on that soon. There is much more to say but it will have to wait for now. Again, thanks to everyone who served and gave to make yesterday a reality. We are humbled by your generosity of time, talent and treasure.

Brian and Gina

p.s…if you were there, please feel free to comment back on your experience. thx.