State of the U

The following was originally published in the most recent edition of The Encourager, the monthly magazine of the U. The uzine may be found on line at: http://news.uchurch.tv/Encourager/2008-08-August.pdf.

Another new school year is quickly approaching. Children will be entering new classes, new grade levels, and new schools. Families will say goodbye to the madness of summer and prepare to settle into a more normal routine. As the page is turned on another summer and we head headlong into the fall, I am preparing to deliver a “State of the U” address in our contemporary worship services. Coming hard on the heels of a seven week study on the book of Ecclesiastes and serving as a transition into our church-wide “University for Life” sermon series, I will seek to celebrate some of the past year’s accomplishments, examine some of the work yet undone, and share some prayerful hopes about our years ahead.

In an effort to prepare for this address, I asked our ministry leaders to share with me some of the things they celebrate about the past year. I was overwhelmed by the response. There has been so much in the last year for which to be thankful. God has truly and richly blessed our church. At the end of his Gospel, John said that there is simply no way to record everything Jesus said and did in his lifetime – there wouldn’t be enough parchment to contain it all. As I compile a list of celebrations, I completely understand! There has been simply too many wonderful Christ moment to record them all, but by way of previewing my pending State of the U address, I offer these celebrations.

In Sanctuary Music:

The Chancel Choir was invited to sing at Carnegie Hall in March of 2008 and will be taking 48 members of the group to perform.

Over 1,100 people attended the Christmas 2007 community outreach concert

Music Camp had 98 campers!

In usk8:

The kick off event led to 55 people accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior!

In the first 12 weeks of the ministry, the Gospel has been preached to 204 different skaters
6 people have been given their first Bible.

In Food Ministry:

A program was launched that has recycled 12,000 plastic bottles in the last six months.

In Foundation:

Over $18,000 in Scholarships Awarded – four college scholarships and two music scholarships

Over 200 people participated in Stewardship Development Events (Good $ense, Debt Reduction workshops, Financial Peace University, Putting Your House in Order Seminars)

In Magdalena House:

Successfully opened the U’s Woman's and Children's shelter – a home for domestic violence and human trafficking victims

In Outreach:

126 people joined the church through Pastor’s Welcoming Luncheons.

Non-University children were bussed from local apartment complexes to participate in Vacation Bible School.

Ongoing mission work on the Gulf Coast (Disaster Recovery Trips for Hurricane Rita), on the border, in Uspantan, Camanchaj, Antigua, Rwanda, Memphis, Corpus Christi, Under the Bridge, and places around the city.

Held three “Amigo Dinners”

Provided leadership and team members for Epiphany #3 and #4

Angel Tree –bought presents for 50+ families .

Hosted the Blue Sunday & Teen Conference

Provided Samaritan assistance for over 300 people (rental assistances, gas, CPS, and/or food).

I would invite all of our contemporary worshipers to make plans to attend services on August 17 to hear the complete State of the U address.