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April Newsletter

 When God just does stuff...

I've been a church planter and around church planting for over twenty years. I've had countless conversations with church planters desiring to start a new church and wondering if they should. Whenever I have these discussions I always look for two things. First, whether or not the planter has a specific vision (perhaps I'll say more about that in another post). Second, I look for what God is doing. In other words, what are some things that are happening that only God could do? What things are happening that the church planters plans, intellect, gifts have nothing to do with?

See, one thing I've learned is that if God is at work in the beginnings of a new church he just does stuff! He does stuff that no one can take credit for but Him. He shows us that this is is his church and he's at work.

This last month I've been reminded that God just does stuff. Almost every week this month I have showed up on Sunday a little tired and distracted. But every week God continues to be at work in the lives of those he brings. Every week God is showing me that the success of the church isn't about me and my efforts and that he is growing Shalom. What a joy it is to let go and let God be God as we seek to plant Shalom! 

Updates:
  • This last month we had 6 ladies attend our diocesan women's retreat. Some of the highlights were getting to know other women from the other churches. The ladies who went especially enjoyed fellowshipping with the women from the Kenyan and Sudanese churches of our diocese.
  • We finished our second catechism class!
  • A few weeks ago we had our largest attended gathering to this point of around 60 adults and kids!
  • We've had an influx of some new visitors who have been coming the last month! Many of them are hanging out after church for our fellowship time and even beginning to give!
  • We had our first time of healing prayer during our service last week. 
  • Our inside giving continues to rise each month. This is encouraging as our core group is supporting the church. 
  • I recently had a conversation with a young woman who is new to our church express a desire to learn more about baptism! 
  • I continue to be amazed at the love people express for our church and their willingness to serve in a variety of ways!
Prayer Requests: 
  • Please pray for our Holy Week services. That we might walk with our Lord to the cross and rejoice at the empty tomb together. Pray that the Lord might use these services for the salvation of those who come!
  • Pray for strength for our music ministers and for myself during Holy Week. This is the first time I've done the full schedule of services. 
  • Pray for those who are visiting and exploring our church. That the Lord would clearly lead them as they consider making Shalom their home church. 
  • Pray that we would be a light in our community for Christ in this time of uncertainty for many. 
May you all have a blessed Holy Week! 

For the Shalom of Kitsap,

Fr Rob Steinbach



















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