Pardon Our Construction; Lives Being Built

A new view of what’s taking shape — thanks to Ephraim Nitanga for capturing this exciting moment from above!

It has taken longer than anyone anticipated, but we have finally obtained the necessary permits from the City of Plano to begin the construction planned since our land sale a year and a half ago. Heavy equipment is now rumbling, grading dirt for the new driveway and 60-space parking lot. Ground will now be broken for the new Yardbird Shed next to the Gym.

In short, we will experience what I call “construction chaos” for a few weeks this summer as these new things are built. We will work hard to make parking as least inconvenient as possible. But the construction is also a sign—a sign that something else is under construction: people’s lives.

Not visible to all, we have persons among us—new and long-established—whose lives are in various stages of “construction chaos” as the Spirit works to build or rebuild them. We have people grieving the loss of a spouse, struggling with cancer and Alzheimer’s, still seeking employment after a layoff, dealing with mental health challenges, substance abuse, loneliness, setbacks at school, and anxiety about loved ones.

In all these real-life circumstances, God’s healing Holy Spirit is at work—through prayer and through the presence of others among us—to help build new piers, new foundations, new places to stand. It’s messy. It hurts. And it always takes longer than anyone wants.

However, by faith, new life is being built—because God is always in the business of building new life. Christ’s resurrection was the ultimate statement of that truth. Pentecost’s “groundbreaking” for the Church affirmed it again. And 2,000 years later, we claim that truth for ourselves—even as we direct people where to park on the grass and where to park their lives for a time of healing, construction, and new life.

Thanks for your patience.

Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,

Matt Gaston
Lead Pastor