cover letter for FAQ sheet

Dear Christ Community,

In 1997 God, through His Church, brought me and my wife and two year old Andrew to Gainesville. I was funded, charged, and envisioned by the North Florida Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) to establish--from the ground up and in the power of the gospel-- a new congregation in Southwest Gainesville.

During the past 10 years there have been more highs and lows, joys and sorrows, victories and defeats than I can mention here. But the overwhelming theme of our corporate song has been the faithfulness of God. He has shown us time and time again that nothing will stop Him from building His Church. It has been a wild ride to be carried by the frightening and faithful God.

Christ Community, you have taken some big steps in the past three years: hiring Frank Matthews as Associate Pastor, pledging in Journey of Faith to give 1.28 million above & beyond your regular giving, electing and ordaining elders from our midst, moving to two morning services to accommodate growth and reach more people. And these are just a sampling. I am sure most of you could provide your own verse to that song.

Well, the next big step is here! We stand, as a church family, on the brink of our next opportunity to catch our breath, gulp, pray, and fling ourselves toward our mission in faith. Your elders believe that God is calling us to borrow up to $1.8 million to build a facility and renovate our church house on Parker Road. And we are bringing it to you for a vote. Please join me in focused prayer towards the congregational meeting of April 27th. Enclosed is what we hope will be helpful & envisioning information for you.

Again, let me express what a joy it is to serve among a bunch like you... a people who know they have a great need for a Savior and who are finding out, with me, that we have a great Savior for our need.

In Christ, and for the session,

Rob