Calling the Nondescript

A few months ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to a small group of men. Not unlike many other small groups of men who meet weekly, this was a group of fathers and husbands trying to come closer to what G_d wanted them to be. One early morning, they were urged unexpectedly and strongly to move in a direction different from all other morning discussions. They each felt moved it was time again for Riverside to actively seek a permanent home. Their first move was to call and meet with their pastor. Realizing they are a fairly nondescript group of men, they described what happened to them, and humbly suggested that perhaps it was time again for G_d to move us to a different home.

Pastor Scott indicated he too had been feeling it was time, and blessed them to create a “Home Committee” for the purpose of exploring anew the possibilities for a permanent home. Additional men were added, and ultimately the Committee consisted of a cross section of men from Riverside. Several men in Riverside leadership positions joined, as did professionals in the real estate and construction industries. Importantly, each member has been convicted that they must always try earnestly to do nothing unless they feel it is in accordance with G_d’s will. Col. 1:9.

Initially, the Committee was created to explore potential sites for Riverside’s long-term permanent earthly home. But their mission quickly expanded. During the few weeks the Committee was being formed, several issues arose with respect to Emerald Rainbow, causing the need for immediate re-evaluation of our short-term situation. So, the discussion became two-fold: what does G_d want for our long-term home, and how does He want to solve our short-term situation? Is there one site waiting somewhere to address both needs? Or, are we to travel to and rest in another “middle space” until we are moved to a long-term home?

During the last two months, the Committee has been active. Members have met numerous times; there have been visits to different sites; experts in the real estate and financial sectors have been consulted; there has been financial analysis of our situation. And certainly most importantly, there has been prayer.

Various considerations have demanded attention: cost; Riverside’s ministries (including the education of our children and our missional work here and abroad); site location; required amenities; flexibility; and messages received through prayer now and long ago.

Through the course of this process, several potential sites have been considered for short and/or long-term residency. These include the newly established Lost Mission complex near Anhalt; the site formerly occupied by the Cowcatcher’s Restaurant; local schools; the HEB site soon to be vacated on hwy. 46; a 16-acre plot of raw land behind the Emerald Rainbow; and numerous others. The Home Committee has worked with Pastor Scott, Riverside’s Pastor’s Council, and its Finance Committee. Recently, the Home Committee recommended to Pastor Scott and his Council that it consider a short-term lease. The specifics of this and other recent activity will be posted later in this blog.

Important, however, is first giving thanks to G_d for His encouragement, counsel and blessing. Clearly, without Him we would all be lost. Before focusing on the details of what is going on with this site or that, let us never forget to rest in thankful bliss at His never-ending grace. Thank you, O G_d, Creator of the Universe! May we never forget whose we are. May we continue to be blessed by your guidance and sustenance.

Shema