GLC my new VB

I’ve found a new church. This is huge deal to me. After leaving Valleybrook (the greatest community I’ve ever been a part of) God challenged me to look deeper at the relationship I was in with Him. I was really good at being a Valleybrooker- on staff, helping out, small groups, etc. But when I was stripped of that, God showed me what it was like to just be intimate with Him- without the bells and whistles of titles and commitments. So, it was no surprise to me that when I started attending a church here in Kenosha (FCC) when I first moved back that God would ask me to wait and not get involved with the ministries. I was so ready to hang out with high schoolers again, to be in charge of some events, to be connected to a church community- but God said “wait.” Of course, my response was “ummmm okay- but good luck showing me something better than this in Kenosha. Our churches are pretty stiff. I’m sure this is the best I’ll find.” There were many days that e-mail youth pastor at FCC was on my list of things-to-do. But God, in His perfect patients and awesomeness, was right about waiting! Imagine.
My sister, Sara, had e-mailed me a news article for a new church starting up in Kenosha at the beginning of January—Great Lakes Church. I wasn’t able to attend until the 3rd week, but when I did, I knew God was keeping a promise. I, was out of town again for the 4th week, but was able to attend this past Sunday--- and sitting next to me was my aunt. If you know me well, you know why I moved home. I had a small dream for our family. And man, God is saying- DREAM AGAIN! The kids love going there. I even popped in and saw Jon (who entered the doors with the grumpiest, unenthused look of all) volunteering up-front for a game! I’m telling you. God is doing some awesome things at Great Lakes Church and in the city of Kenosha.
Now, I can’t say all this and then not mention that this new church has faced its share of controversy already. (What great church hasn’t?!) I was supposed to meet with Dave, our pastor, at 6:30 last Thursday. He called me around 5:30 to reschedule. He had just received a call from Kenosha Unified School District (we had been meeting in an elementary school) that ‘effective immediately’ our lease with them would be terminated. The reason: a mailing had just reached mailboxes and some people were, let’s just say, less than pleased. We’re launching into 2 serviced this coming weekend, and the first series will be about SEX. [insert] Gasp!! Man were feathers ruffled- and do they continue to be. Coming from Valleybrook, the topic of healthy sexuality wasn’t something discussed and dealt with under the table. We had Pure Desire groups for guys (of all ages- including our high schoolers) addicted to pornography. Every Woman’s Battle (EWB) met weekly and discussed similar topics all promoting healthy sexuality. And just this year a few of my good friends started an Every Young Woman’s Battle group for our high school girls. I understand and appreciate the role of a church and its place and responsibility in this area of our lives.
We were able to meet (all 350 people) at Parkway Chateau (attached to the Brat Stop) this past Sunday. And, while the location of service this week is still undetermined, Dave was right when he reminded us that “the church isn’t made up of the walls around it, but the people in it.” I live in confident hope that God has an awesome plan for this church. The heart of the plant team is huge. I believe their intentions are legit and rooted deep in Scripture. I’m excited to see what God does as he continues to challenge this community in ways expected when starting out---- like getting to know new people, and in fun little detours---like finding new buildings in less than 2 days!
If you’re interested, here’s the article that ran in the Kenosha News on Sunday. I enjoy the responses from people. The good. The bad. The absolutely ridiculous!

http://www.kenoshanews.com/news/unified_boots_out_church_over_flier_4290987.html