An Updated on the Chestermere Church Plant: Lake Ridge
It has been sometime since I have updated you all on what is happening here in Chestermere. I have to start off by saying thank you for praying even without regular updates. I have chatted with some of you and your faithfulness in praying has encouraged me a great deal.
The summer has been very busy with many events. Our group has volunteered at events put on by the town as well as contributed by running our own events at some of the community fairs. I'm always amazed at the opportunities to care for others that come out of a posture of listening. We have served people by doing yard clean up, rides to doctors appointments, free art classes for a family, purchased a walker for an elderly lady, childcare, etc. I believe that these are not just a chance to care for the individuals but also those who have been caring for these people. A few times I have received emails from people asking about our church and saying that they heard about us from people I have never met. We are so grateful for the chance to love others.
We are also grateful that God is adding to our numbers and we believe it is time to take the next step. Our First public worship service will be this week @ 6pm. Please be in prayer for us as we begin telling the Story of God in this way. There is a lot of excitement among us as a small church and we are praying that not only would things go well technically but more importantly visitors will feel a sense of belonging and find themselves drawn to the story God is writing in their lives. We realize this is a big ask but we have a pretty big God so we are going to see what He can do. Please be in prayer for those who are a part of the service as well as those who are going to come for the first time. Pray the Spirit would do what it does, challenge, comfort, encourage and provide. Pray that God would give me the words to speak and that those leading worship would be at peace as we try out a new sound system, some new instruments and also some new musicians.
Mostly pray for our group. Pray that doing Sunday services would encourage them and not tire them out, that this would be secondary to meeting their neighbors and serving the town. Pray that God would continue to lead us as we plan for our youth and children as well as caring for the many young couples we have.
These are exciting times and we are enjoying all that God has been doing. Thanks again for all your prayers
Evan Dewald