As we think about our congregational mission . . . "Invite and connect people to God and one another through Christ's love," our excitement and inspiration soars. This weekend our congregation joins our Bloomington/Normal community in a long-anticipated Groundbreaking Celebration, and our A Church Alive! project comes into reality. In addition to our members and friends who will participate in this event, our mayor and State Representative Dan Brady will be among the dignitaries present. Representatives from our architectural firm, B.L.D.D. and our General Contractor, Felmley Dickerson, will also be in attendance. As we move into the actual building process this summer, we will continue to have contracts to review and conversations with the city, discussions and day-to-day decisions with our architects and contractors that will have to be made. But our building project is happening and we give thanks to God for the direction and guidance that has been ours throughout this entire process! As the Holy Spirit continues to move throughout our congregation and our people, we pray that we will always be "breaking ground" in new ways of being in mission and ministry. Our new and enhanced building at St. John's, will provide us with ever new and ever expanding possibilities to share the Gospel of Christ with our community and beyond. In our 2nd Lesson this weekend, from Romans 8:16-17, St. Paul writes, "It is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ -- if, in fact we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him."

It is the Holy Spirit that again and again leads us into all truth. It is the Holy Spirit that gives us our spiritual inheritance. It is the Holy Spirit that promises a constant presence throughout our lives. And most importantly the Holy Spirit reminds us that in suffering and in glory, in bad times and in good times, in times of tension and transition, as well as times of celebration and praise . . . we are children of God. And we have that glorious inheritance now and in the life to come.

Groundbreaking begins on the east lawn, following the conclusion of our 10:15 AM worship services. Bring your shovel, spade, etc. and gather around the "marked perimeter" of our new addition. We are indeed, A Church Alive!

PRAYER: Gracious God, through your Holy Spirit, you continue to lead us into new paths and new directions, breaking ground in ministry and mission. You remind us always of your constant presence and give us the assurance of that presence in all our endeavors. We continue to ask your blessing upon our congregation and the mission to which you have called us. Thank you for bringing us to this point in our mission and lead us onward to new days and new deeds, so that your mission for us may also be our mission in you. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.

Alive in Christ,