I’ve had a number of people stop me recently to talk about our East Campus Launch Services starting December 5. As we talk, their questions tend to come in two basic categories: 1) Are you excited? and 2) What are we going to do?

Well, it almost goes without saying – yes, I am very excited. And in talking with many, it appears that you are, too! God is blessing us with a growing momentum in the countdown to launch. There are still questions to be answered and issues to resolve, but when it all comes down to it, the overwhelming attitude I’m hearing and sensing is, “Bring it on!”

I am so thankful that is the case, because the fact is, we’re going to need that spirit in the coming days – especially during the four-week series of launch services.

Reflect back to when you moved into your house for the very first time. Were you ready for company yet? Did you know where all your furniture was going to go and dishes were going to be stored? You likely had an idea – even a plan. But it wasn’t until you lived in the place for awhile that these things started to gel. And that first week? Everything was packed, and you likely ate take-out for a couple days at least while you worked to get settled in.

Well, it’s going to be something like that during our launch services. We’re getting used to the space. We’re feeling things out. We’re acting on our plan, but being flexible enough to adjust where necessary. And for these four weeks specifically, we’re going to be doing things just a little bit differently. For these four weeks:

• We will be worshiping together at night rather than Sunday morning. Enjoy a little extra sleep if you want, but just for these four weeks…
• We will be sharing a meal together. Much like takeout on move-in day, we’ll try to keep it simple and easy to manage.
• We will meet in our CJHS “Commons” area, not our eventual worship center. All our equipment & processes aren’t complete yet. Much work is yet to be done before we get the full set-up on January 9. As such, worship will be more acoustical in nature.
• Children’s Ministry will be slightly modified. Richwoods home-2-home groups are helping us administer Kids ROCK so that our volunteers can all be a part of the worship service. Marie is working hard set up an environment and activities that will help our children adjust to the change and to become engaged in the process.
• All hands on deck. If you’re able to come early to help set up or stay a little after to clean up, we would much appreciate it. It’s a family affair.

The key thing to remember on all the above is…for these FOUR weeks. December 5, 12, 19, & January 2, from 5p – 7p, we’re moving in. We will have full worship services with all the core “elements”. We’ll eat, laugh, love, and pray together. We’ll set up house.

In doing so, we will be more prepared come launch day to “be Richwoods” – helping people find and follow Christ. I thank you in advance for your prayers, your patience, and your persistence in helping to make this happen. God bless you all!

Ken