On June 27th Pastor Dave preached on Ezekiel 37, the “valley of the dry bones.” The year is 587 BC; the people of Israel have lost their temple, king, covenant, and relationship with God. The Babylonians have hauled them off into captivity. They feel as if their lives are nothing more than “dry bones.” What transpires in this great passage is that God breathes life into the lifeless. Take some time to read this portion of the Bible soon. We live in a time when many feel their life is lifeless. Ezekiel’s prophecy is relevant for today. The main thing we offer each other and the world is the message that the “dry bones” of this world will live again. Jesus has been resurrected and all people, regardless of their plight have hope through Jesus.

Our congregation had thought we would be the first church building in Castle Pines North (CPN). We assumed if we carried out this call from God we would grow fast. Things changed, including the economy, and we are not being led in that direction anymore. We have found a home (at least for now) at Rock Canyon High School (RCHS). We are still Ready to Grow through relationships.

In April, Dr. Reggie McNeal introduced a means by which God can raise up a new vision among us focused on “blessing the world.” We begin by asking, “If God could do one thing in this community to bless it, what would it be?” By involving all the community in this process we build ownership and we establish a presence. It is not a steeple in the air type of presence; it is a presence that is based on a relationship with God and with one another. It tells the community that we are here as God’s people to listen and to serve.

The current RTG funds of about $96,000 (July 2010) will be split into thirds:
A. 1/3 placed in a fund that will set aside for one year as seed money for a potential facility. As we go through the blessing process, see what the vision is and the needs of facility that God lifts up. If we are going to have a different facility form RCHS let us gain clarity of vision and purpose first.
B. 1/3 will be set aside to respond to whatever the blessing process reveals. This could be used in a number of ways. The essential intent that needs to be preserved is that the building in CPN was going to bless the community and invite them into ministry. The financial resources of RTG still have an opportunity to do that. If not with brick and mortar, then with relational means. As we grow in Jesus and offer a relational opportunity with Jesus to the community, GGCC gains the visibility for God that RTG’s vision was in CPN.
C. 1/3 will be used to assist the general budget if needed. To keep our professional staff leadership strong and ready to carry out the future mission of blessing that our process will lift up, these funds may prove necessary.

All monies received into RTG from now on will go toward points (B) and (C) above to insure that GGCC’s mission has a strong future. We have been led in a direction where we feel that relationships are God’s capital in the world. God is leading us to a bright future and “dry bones” will live again!

There is much good going on at GGCC. God has brought us a long ways and will not leave us now. Pastor Dave sees “dry bones” inside and outside our missional community coming to life. One way they come to life is through generosity. In this economically challenging time, thank you for your generosity and prayerful consideration of how you might grow in your giving in Jesus’ name.