John Taylor and I went to meet with the Verein on the first Sunday of December. Many of our folks had put together ideas about how we would renovate with simplicity. Our goal was to update with very little impact on the hall itself. Thanks again to Kenny Whistler who is always ready and so faithful. Along with all the other folks who we depend on to tell us if these ideas are doable.
In any event, the Verein met at 2. John and I were present and ready. They let us know we would not be presenting to the Verein as a whole and that a committee had been formed to engage us in the possibility. This committee would meet with John and I at 3. So, Mr. Taylor and I had another opportunity to catch up as we waited for our next little meeting. We waited outside for Mr.Lieneger at Singing Hills, for Mr. Andersen in Dallas, and now for the committee. We always have great conversations in the strange little pauses.
Then at 3, the Vice President of the Vereind surprised us. At the Verien's meeting at 2, Riversides intentions were brought up and spoken about by the larger board and it was decided unanimously that the Verein were not interested in an ongoing relationship with any group. They felt that they needed to stay close to their charter and we did not fit within that. I asked, "Does that mean we're done here?" (I am a little slow.) He said simply, "Yes, I believe it does."
I am not so sure. One of the prayer responses we recieved about Anhalt revealed that it would be paused until Christmas, but that what was for us was larger than what was against us! That word came before I had even brought the possibility up to the larger community. We shall see.
See you all at Christmas. Regardless of any ongoing relationship, once again the Verein have graciously welcomed us to use the hall for our Christmas Eve services.
Finally, I do feel so deeply moved that G-d would spend so much time teaching us so much. John and I both felt that we had been obedient and that was our only real hope and expectation. I wonder how this adventure will unfold next....
