In a heartfelt message during the first service at their new location, Jay Pathak emphasizes the importance of community, generosity, and the church's mission to serve the world. He reflects on personal experiences of change and loss, urging the congregation to focus on their role in spreading hope and love through Jesus Christ, while also acknowledging the significance of their new space as a launching point for outreach and ministry.
Good morning everyone! It’s a joy to gather together in our new space, which feels almost dreamlike. I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of you who have contributed generously to make this transition possible. Your support has been invaluable, and if you feel led to give, we are still welcoming contributions as there is much work to be done in this building.
I want to highlight the incredible efforts of our community. Doug Bell has been tirelessly working in the booth, running cables and ensuring everything is set up. Tim Adams has been splicing cables, and Lindsay Bell has organized our kids' rooms with a dedicated team. The amount of work involved in moving to a new building is immense, akin to moving a home but on a much larger scale. I also want to recognize Rey, who has been serving in this building for over 17 years. His experience and dedication are invaluable as we navigate this transition.
As I stand here today, I find myself reflecting on life’s transitions. My youngest daughter is in her senior year, and my oldest is nearing graduation from college. I’ve witnessed friends losing loved ones and others welcoming new life. These experiences have made me feel older and more contemplative about the passage of time.
When I think about the years I’ve known some of you, it’s hard to believe it’s been over 20 years. This realization brings a sense of nostalgia and a reminder of how far we’ve come.
Many of you have asked if I imagined this moment, and honestly, I didn’t. Just a few months ago, I wasn’t sure we would even have a church. This new building exceeds my wildest dreams. It’s a reminder that life can surpass our expectations, and it prompts us to consider what lies ahead.
While we celebrate our new space, it’s crucial to remember that this building is not just for us. It exists to serve a greater purpose. We are here to worship and seek God together, but our mission extends beyond these walls.
The Church of Jesus Christ does not exist for itself; it exists for the sake of the world. We believe that God has a plan for those who do not yet know His love. Our role is to share the hope and love found in Jesus Christ with those around us.
Jesus commissioned us in Matthew 28:18-20, instructing us to go and make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just for a select few; it’s for all of us. We are called to be witnesses of His love and grace.
As we embrace this new chapter, we must remember that generosity is key. The more we give away, the more we keep. This principle applies not only to our resources but also to our time, love, and service. The church thrives when we actively engage in giving and serving others.
Jesus has given us authority to represent Him in the world. This authority is not about power but about responsibility. We are called to be His ambassadors, sharing His message of hope and love. It’s essential to ask ourselves: how are we representing Jesus in our daily lives?
The mission of Jesus is sustained by His presence. He promises to be with us as we go out into the world. This presence empowers us to do His work and to be His witnesses. We must not view this building as a fortress but as a training ground for our mission.
As we move forward, let’s commit to being a church that exists for the world. Let’s embrace our mission to share the love of Jesus with those around us. This building is a launching pad for outreach, and together, we can make a significant impact in our community and beyond.
Let’s stand together and pray as we embark on this exciting journey ahead.
