It's Done!

That big whoosh sound you heard around noon this past Monday was me breathing a big sigh of relief as we closed on the purchase of the old Thriftway building in Alexandria.  After several delays and more than a few anxious moments we finalized the purchase of what will be our future home.  To God be the glory!

I want to thank everyone for the part you played in helping us take this huge step.  When we announced back in November that we were going to attempt to purchase this building and began our Possess the Land capital campaign, you responded by contributing over $65,000!  That day!  Since that time we have received $250,000 in donations and over $400,000 in pledges!

God then provided financing for the project that allows us to put all monies raised into the renovation of this building.  We estimate that the renovation project will take approximately $1,000,000 (that's $1 million in case you aren't accustomed to seeing that many zeroes).  And so, our Possess the Land campaign has now become Operation Transformation.

I chose the word "transformation" as opposed to "renovation," for this phase of the project, because transformation speaks of what God is going to do in the lives of the people that will be reached as a result of our taking this step.

When we are finished we will have over $2 million in the project, but will end up with a building worth much more.  Initial estimates are that the finished building will appraise for more than $4 million.  Not bad for a church that just eight years ago could place everything it owned in a step-van -- which we did after church every Sunday for a year at the Marquise.

While we rejoice at what God has done over these first eight years at The Bridge, our focus is on what we believe God is going to do through our church for years to come.  If you made a pledge to our Possess the Land Campaign - please do your best to fulfill that pledge and help transform this former grocery store into a church for the glory of God.

If you are unable to give financially to the project, please join us in praying for the success of the campaign and for the people God wants to reach through our church.  These are exciting days in the life of our church, and pivotal days, as well.  What we do over the next several months is going to not only change our church, but change lives for eternity -- which is why we exist.

Open House Postponed until March 8^th

Because the parking lot at our future home is currently encased in ice, we thought it wise to postpone our Open House until Sunday, March 8^th at 1 P.M. when hopefully we will be enjoying better weather.  Plan to join us then!

Whitney and Ali Clayton

As was announced a couple of months ago, Whitney, who has served as Executive Pastor at The Bridge, and Ali, who has directed The Crossing (4^th-6^th grades) are moving to Arizona where they will be starting a new church.  Despite my best efforts, they refuse to leave even one of our precious grandsons behind, even though Ali is expecting baby number three!  I know, how selfish!  Honestly, we know Whitney and Ali are following the Lord's leading in this major decision and applaud their obedience.

Because they have been such a vital part of our church and have been a blessing to so many, and because we believe in what they are doing, I would like to receive a special offering on their behalf this Sunday to help cover their moving expenses.  I don't know how much it costs to move a family of four (soon to be five) more than 1,800 miles -- but it can't be cheap.  Please come prepared Sunday to help in whatever way you can and let's show our appreciation for how they have served so faithfully at The Bridge these past four years.  (Excuse me now while I go cry!).

Your Servant in Christ,

Bo

" Where every person matters "