Milestones, Celebrations, and Investing in the Future
Dear ,
Joanne and I are preparing to celebrate a remarkable milestone in our lives—our 25th wedding anniversary! Throughout our marriage, we have had the privilege to live in four different countries and reside in twelve separate residences, allowing us to truly appreciate the richness and diversity of our world. You are the latest addition to a long list of individuals and communities who have invested in our lives, and we consider ourselves truly blessed to share our lives with such an incredible congregation.
We are taking the next two weeks off to celebrate this special occasion and join our daughters Hannah and Emma on a long-awaited vacation. While I am away, I want to assure you that the pulpit will be in the capable hands of Dr. Amos Yong and Dr. Nick Barrett, who will be delivering inspiring messages in the upcoming weeks. Although we will be physically apart, I want us to remember the scriptural admonition, “Let us not neglect meeting together.” The bonds we forge within the fellowship of the saints are invaluable, and I encourage you to nurture and strengthen them in my absence.
Additionally, I would like to draw your attention to an important event happening next week —Vacation Bible School (VBS). This program brings over 400 children from the neighborhood onto our campus, providing a wonderful opportunity to extend our warm embrace to young families exploring the church. Let us make VBS a grand celebration for the whole church, creating a welcoming and joyful environment for everyone involved. There are still opportunities for you to partner with Children's Ministries in transforming the campus for the grand reveal next Monday. If you wish to help, please visit our event calendar for more information - or simply plan on staying after the Sunday service to help transform the Worship Center with us!
Our Neighborhood Evangelism Campaign will run for just under two more weeks - concluding on July 4. Every dollar you contribute will be matched by an anonymous donor until then, which means your contributions, both large and small, will have a “double impact” on spreading the Gospel and building bridges within our community. As of today, we have raised $178,000 - not including the matching gift! The funds raised through this initiative will be specifically used to support our evangelism efforts, including equipping the congregation to effectively share the Gospel, developing invitational programs to welcome our unchurched neighbors, and creating platforms for cultural engagement in the fields of science, arts, and business. Please give by following the link below and make a lasting impact that transforms lives and transcends boundaries. Thank you for your incredible generosity in helping make this vision a reality.
Give to the Neighborhood Evangelism Fund
As Joanne and I reflect on our extraordinary journey together for a quarter of a century, we cannot help but remember Lake Avenue Church with deep gratitude for investing in our lives and ministry. We cherish the relationships we have built within this congregation and count ourselves fortunate to call you our family. May our bond grow stronger as we continue to journey together in faith, hope, and love.
Blessings,
Mathew
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| Mathew P. John |
| Senior Pastor |
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