Greetings all!
Staci Bell here. I’m not John or any other of the smart, eloquent, deep thinking folks we have on our teaching team (yes, I will hype you up), but I wanted to step in and write a quick note of gratitude for the way YOU haven shown up in this season that is coming to an end (an end that signifies a new beginning in multiple ways). I have been constantly encouraged by the perseverance you’ve shown in the face of adversity that we’ve experienced as a church. During our nomadic time, you’ve shown up for service online, at various people’s houses, up on mount Sequoyah, at other churches, city AND national parks, at a horse ranch, 7hills homeless shelter, and finally the condos attached to the Perch. Whew. That’s a lot, guys. Guess what? Our next stop will be The Perch itself, a long awaited light at the end of the tunnel.
What happens when we get to that light after this arduous journey? Will there be respite? Yes, in many ways… but in truth, It’s almost time for us to step through and come out to see a different place that’s going to require us – all of us – to work to build a place that we’ve prayed and dreamed about for so long. A place that first looks at belonging as the entry point – regardless the of ways that humans conjure up continue to separate others from the love of God. We have been given all the makings within us and your continued presence and participation are vital. The people we will come in contact with that we’ve yet to meet will be vital. Realize that through these last years, despite no ‘home base’ y’all have shown me and one another the hands and feet of Jesus in real time through births, deaths, fellowships, hardships, world events, sacrifices, celebrations… all of it.
So, TLDR; In Jesus’ name, THANK YOU FOR HANGING IN THERE. You are needed, wanted, and you belong. There is still much to be done and we want to do it side by side with you.
January 5th will mark a new beginning as we explore ‘Rooted’ – a new series that will work hand in hand with our evolution as a church. Your ears, voices, brains, and hearts are needed. I feel excitement in this. Please don’t miss it! We will be at 716 W Sycamore, Fayetteville, AR 72703, hopefully meeting in the building by then but if not then we will be in the attached condos again. Also, as a reminder, there are 4 days left in the fiscal year and any year end gifts can be made by visiting this link. Your sacrificial gifts are always very much appreciated and we will have opportunities through the Perch in the coming months to see the evidence of those gifts.
We will NOT be meeting on December 29th, 2024 to give everyone a chance to rest and recuperate in the light of the coming year, but we will be ready come the following Sunday, January 5th.
Love y’all,
Staci Bell and the leadership team
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