Discussing Our Future Over BBQ
by Tom Goodman
January 8, 2010

This Sunday the Hillcrest Family will discuss building plans over barbeque.

Let me repeat it for emphasis:  This Sunday is a chance to join in an important Hillcrest Family discussion.  This Sunday isn't just about hearing someone present things to you.

I know this is NFL playoff season, but I talked with Jerry Jones and he agreed to move the Cowboys-Eagles game to Saturday for me.  On Sunday, you'll be home in time for the Packers game.  As for the Pats, well, that's what DVRs are for....

After the 10 a.m. worship service, I'll introduce you to Ben Heimsath and his architectural firm.  One reason we chosen his firm is that Ben has a proven track record at leading congregations in a discussion about what they want to see in campus improvements.

The youth will host a party for elementary school children at the Summit (the third-floor youth room).  Preschool care will be provided in the preschool rooms.  Here's the schedule:

10:00 a.m.  Worship Service in the Auditorium.

11:00 a.m.  Ten-Minute Break.  At this time, parents can bring their children to the right spots.

11:10 a.m.  All adults will reconvene in the auditorium with Ben Heimsath and some people from his architectural firm.  Ben will lead us through a presentation of the renovation process.

12:30 p.m.  We will dismiss for a BBQ lunch in the Multi-Purpose Center.  Yes, this is the famous Jay and Dee Simpson BBQ -- enough said!

1:00 p.m.  Ben will lead us in a project designed to get your feedback on what needs to be addressed in the renovation process.

2:00 p.m.  We'll serve dessert and hear that feedback.

3:00 p.m.  Dismiss.  There will be no evening activities.

I've said it before:  The process will give us a chance to look ahead, to look around, and to look above.

First, we have a chance to look ahead.  Someone once said that you know you're at the end when you have fewer dreams than you do memories.  That's true for churches, too.  A planning process gives us a chance to think afresh about the future God is calling us into.  I look forward to hearing your hopes and dreams for our church!

Second, we have a chance to look around.  When done right, plans to renovate a facility turn our eyes outward to the community God has called us to reach.  It helps us become more sensitive to the impressions we're making upon others.

Third, we have a chance to look above.  In Haggai 1:1-9, the living Lord of the universe actually said we should pay attention to the building where he is worshipped "so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored."  God says we honor him by paying attention to the place where we praise his Name and study his Word!  God goes on to say he was dishonored by those who paid more attention to their houses and businesses than to their place of worship.  We don't want to make that mistake.

So, be an active participant in this chance to look ahead, around, and above!
 
--Tom