9 years’ worth of memories

I’m here at the house…they packed it all up yesterday in about 6 hours. Today they load it into the truck and they begin driving it to Illinois. I have to say it’s very difficult walking into the house…memories flood my mind. Nine years of living, enjoying, loving, learning, playing, growing…from two to six!…laughing, crying… This house has been our ‘home’ in the truest sense and it’s hard to think that we are leaving. We’re grateful for how God has blessed us with so many wonderful times here on Elmont Road. We will miss this home. And we will treasure the memories and be thankful for our nine years of joy in Lowell, MA.

Saying Goodbye

Goodbyes are never easy. After nine years living in New England, ministering with Harbor of Hope Christian Church, we are now saying goodbye. Yesterday’s service was my last at Harbor. It was an amazing but emotional day. I had some wonderful friends join me on stage for worship. All I can say is that it was loud and I was sweaty when we got done! So much fun!

Then last night the church had a going away party for us. Let’s just say that they roasted me pretty good. I did get a Diet Coke ‘IV’ out of it all…they know what flows thru my blood!

I have had an amazing experience at Harbor of Hope. Over these past nine years, my life has changed in so many ways. My four children were born during our time in Lowell. I went from being the Worship Pastor to then being the Lead Pastor. I learned more about myself and how God has wired me for life and for ministry. Lynda and I have made friendships that we will carry with us through life. I am a better person because of my time here with the folks at Harbor.

I am so grateful for God’s call to us to come to New England and plant this church with our team-mates and friends. It’s with great sadness that we say goodbye. But I know that Harbor will continue to thrive and grow and continue to ‘help people find their way back to God.’ This is an amazing place. I will truly miss my family at Harbor.

Goodbye friends…

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Small group discussion

Brian Jones has an interesting conversation taking place on his blog regarding small groups. I like Brian. I’ve had the opportunity to be in some settings with Brian through Orchard Group. He’s not afraid to ask questions! I’m curious to see how this conversation ends…

Great day with friends

We had a great day today. First the day started at Manchester Christian with an area ministry gathering. Once a quarter we get together with the other independent churches for a meal. Today, John Cassetto pulled together the arts leaders from the various churches for a rockin’ team to lead worship for the gathering. It was a great time of worship, and I’m so glad I had that last chance to worship with such a great friends.

Tonight I took the Harbor worship team out to dinner at On the Border. One large table for 25, please!  I have had an amazing opportunity to work with wonderful musicians, vocalists and techies in my nine years at Harbor of Hope. I will miss this team…they have been great to work with. And they speak my language…they presented me with an Apple gift card tonight. Can we say iPhone?!! Thanks guys for the gift and for all you do at Harbor.

Tomorrow the kids are going on an overnight with some friends from Harbor. Lynda and I are going with Jed & Beth to the Sail Loft! One last time for some yummy clam chowdah.

Boston Harbor Islands

Lynda’s parents are here for a visit…one last trip to New England before we move. Yesterday we went into Boston and took a ferry to the Boston Harbor Islands. We had a great day on Georges Island. The ruins of Fort Warren is located on the island…it was completed in the 1850’s. The kids had a great time exploring it and running across the top of the fort. Jed & Beth Mullenix and their kids joined us. It was a great day.

Afterwards we got some take out from The Boston Sail Loft — the BEST clam chowder in Boston. Enjoyed some seafood while the kids played in Christopher Columbus park. It was an exhausting day…but loads of fun!

Another great One Prayer service

Week two of One Prayer. We watched Craig Groeschel with “Make Us One.” Great message and our people responded really well to the video format. I think this series is just perfect for Harbor of Hope!

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The countdown…two weeks

We’re now in the final two weeks at Harbor. It’s weird. So many emotions. We’re now starting the “this is the last time…” on lots of things. Dinners this week with friends, final meetings with ministry teams, last time to have coffee before I leave with small group members.

I am really excited about my new role at RCC and am looking forward to getting there and getting started. But it’s still always hard to say good-bye.

RagamuffinTop – 3

Week 3 — weighing in at 183.6…that’s only down 0.4 for the week, 2.4 total. Not great.

Worked out Mon, Tues, Wed with some cardio…but then had a hectic weekend with lots of events (meaning…probably didn’t eat as light as I should have!).

These next two weeks are probably going to be difficult food-wise as we wrap up our time at Harbor. Lots of events, dinners, good-byes… we’ll see how it goes.

Check out the other RagamuffinTops…see if they did better than I did.

One Prayer

Yesterday we launched One Prayer at Harbor of Hope. We’re joining together with over 1300 churches in this exciting series praying, “Lord, make us…” We kicked it off with “Make us Relentless.” And over the next three weeks, Harbor will hear from some great pastors from across the country. Exciting stuff! I’m anxious to see what God’s got in store for harbor with this one!!!

Join the conversation: oneprayer.com

Willow Creek Association – News

I just got done watching Bill Hybels respond to all the crazy blog posts and articles that have been written these past several months as a result of their Reveal publication.

It’s great to hear him reaffirm & clarify his passion and conviction that their goal has always been, and will always be, to “turn irreligious people into fully-devoted followers of Christ.” I’m glad he did this!

Watch it here

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