God has been so faithful as we have moved through one full month of services. I am at a loss and quite humbled at the progress we have made so far. It is good (maybe an understatement) to see that about 70% of the first time visitors have come back for a second service. The ratio of First Church to Community congregants started at 33/67 and has been moving wider to approximately a 20/80 split. And this after we expected a 50/50 split! As each week passes, the sense of “us” and “them” dissipates which is an answer to prayer. The overriding comment we get from newcomers about the church is that it is friendly and they feel a sense of “home”. We kicked off Sunday School today for all ages and saw a good complement of people. The choir is humming right along under the direction of Richard Dwyer. We have had special anthems each week and some wonderul instrumental pieces that have added to the worship experience each week. The sense from our Downtown campus is one of great anticipation as well. People are genuinely excited to see what is happening.

All of this would not be possible without a great group of people who have committed themselves and many hours of their time. It is also a tribute the vision, faith, and risk-taking of a congregation with a 200+ year history of service to the Lexington community.

The work is by no means over. In fact, we have some of the tougher work ahead of us as the newness wears off and the sense of normalcy sets in. Connecting people to one another and moving into mission is our next focus and that will be a tall matter for sure.

Please keep praying, there is still much work to be done!