Back in early December I had the privilege of meeting with Tony and Monica Barron.  Tony is the pastor of New Life Church.  They had recently begun their church ministry and already were outgrowing their home.  We talked about whether or not our church might be able to accommodate their needs for a church building where they could hold regular worship services.  They had been meeting on Sunday evenings, which just happened to be the only time we could possibly provide them space.  Maybe this was doable.  So I did some research. 

New Life Church is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, English speaking, evangelical Christian church rooted in the love of Christ.  Although I immediately realized that we would not always agree theologically, I also came to understand that our goals are very similar. That is:  How do we best live out God’s command to love him and love one another and ourselves?  I liked both Monica and Tony from the moment I met them.  In checking their references, I found them to be highly respected and accountable.  They are committed, sincere, genuine, compassionate, and passionate about their faith. I was encouraged. 

I firmly believe that we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful church building. We’ve worked hard to make it that way.  I also believe that we have a responsibility to make good use of our facilities and not let them lay fallow.   We know what it is like not to have a church to meet in, having met at the Swim and Racquet club for ten years prior to building where we are now.  Being able to provide our facilities to other community groups -- especially churches -- is just good stewardship.   

Having had met with Tony and Monica, checked them out, and felt the Spirit leading me, I sent information to our session so that they too could examine the opportunity that I wanted to afford New Life Church.  At our December session meeting we discussed the implications of using our facility to house another church. 

To my delight, the session unanimously voted to extend an invitation to New Life Church to meet here at STHPC on Sunday evenings beginning  January 1^st, 2006.  Contracts were signed a couple of days later.

I hope that if you bump into Monica or Tony or any of their church members you will issue them a warm welcome.  We have already been in conversation about their contributing to our Deacon’s Food Pantry and helping out on church work days.

I am looking forward to a very fruitful relationship.  If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to call or email me. 

Have a great start to 2006.  This is going to be a fantastic year.  I am glad that you all are a part of it!

Be blessed and I’ll see you on Sunday.

Pastor Tom