Redeemed!

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the baptism (washing) of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3.4-7

This past Sunday night, Micaiah was baptized into the family of God. We celebrated her rebirth into the Kingdom of God with family, friends and the 705: community. Needless to say, it was an evening filled with God's power. We were so thankful to Nora (Erin's younger sister) who committed to being Micaiah's God parent. She has the incredible responsibility of making sure that Micaiah is raised in the faith along with making sure her parents do what they are supposed to. Nora is an incredible woman of God whose passion for life and God inspire Micaiah's parents.

As a side note, this was the first baptism for the 705: community. We are hoping that there will be many more as the Lord sees fit to grow this spiritual community. Thanks to all of you who have become our spiritual family here in Houston! Here's to the journey!

Below are a number of photos from the evening. Note that the baptismal gown was made in 1915 for Erin's grandfather's baptism. It has been passed down from generation to generation! It was an awesome gift to be able to use it. Enjoy God's grace.

Prayer Walk

This past Sunday Brian led 705: on a prayer walk through the city of Houston. We made stops in a variety of areas throughout the city focusing our prayers on the people God has placed in our paths.

While in and amongst the highrises we prayed for those who commute in and out of the city each day and occupy the offices downtown and those who call the streets home. In the theater district we praised God for creativity and the gifts and talents of his people. Standing on the overpass of a major interstate we prayed for those in the cars traveling to and from places unknown. We asked God's blessing upon each of the house communities that are currently meeting around the Houston area, 3 in all.

Our cry is that God would use 705: to infect and affect the city for Him. As we try to maintain that focus, we must focus our eyes, ears, thoughts and words on the calling of the Spirit in each of our lives. Is He calling to you?

Well, friends...we have made another trip in the wonderful state of Texas. That's right, we actually got out of Houston and headed to the State Captial. Does everyone know where that is?? All you Texans aren't allowed to answer.

Brian was asked to preach at Concordia University, Austin at their 9.08 chapel. It's a student led chapel held on thursday evenings at, you guessed it, 9.08. We were invited by Ted Doering (the son of our Senior Pastor), who has become a close friend. It was a joy to visit with him, eat at Pei Wei, and enjoy the tea at Mozarts. As a part of preaching, Brian was asked if he would lead the worship team. He, of course, was overjoyed to play...go figure, Brian overjoyed that he gets to play music. Who would have thought? The worship team was awesome and they all did well. It was fun for Brian to be able to mentor others in service to the church. Kudos to everyone involved.

For those of you who are reading and attended another Concordia (you know, the one in the corn field), it's still the best. For those of you who didn't attend Concordia Cornfield, we're sorry. Someday everyone will realize that Seward is the place to be...unless it's Friday! Anyway, we really did enjoy our time. It was unfortunate, but we weren't able to stay more than one night and missed our opportunity to be tourists in Ausitn. We did drive by the state capital building. We're hoping to get back soon and spend some more time there.

Just as a ps, we want to thank Nate and Mindy for opening their home. It was awesome to see you three. Much love and peace.

A Whacky Place

For those of you who don't live in Texas...there is something you must learn. You are either an Aggie or a Longhorn.

In the state of Texas, two schools rule college football (my apologies to those of you reading who went to Tech, TCU, Baylor, etc): the Texas Longhorns or the Texas A&M Aggies. There is no love expressed between these two teams. Allow us to illustrate. Brian grew up in the lovely state of Colorado, where he quickly became a Buff's fan (much to the chagrin of his parents who are die hard Cornhusker fans...or to his sister who is now a student at Colorado State University...sorry Megs). Now, one was either a Buff's fan or a Rams fan (CSU) and you didn't like it when the other team won. Now, there were exceptions to that rule...say when the Buff's played in the National Championship...then Rams fans cheered along for the other school from their state.

Not so here in Texas. When the Texas Longhorns played in the National Championship two years ago, Aggie fans routed for none other than the Trojans (USC). There is no love.

Well, this past weekend we were "blessed" to be in College Station (home of A&M) for a retreat. Many of those involved in the ministry downtown are graduates of this fine institution. For them...it was like returning to Mecca...most got misty eyed as we walked by the graves of Reveille I-VI, and became giddy at the obligatory howdy. A&M is a unique place...unlike most campus' we have been to; filled with all sorts of tradition carried into the world by its huge alumni. To A&M...we must give a whoop!

A Change of Seasons

Well, the day has finally arrived. It is a day that marks the end of one season and the beginning of a new one. On August 19th, 2007 Brian was officially ordained into the ministry of the Lutheran Church. It has been a long road...a good one...but a long one nevertheless. Brian's days as a student have finally ended (we think...and hope) and he has begun what God has called him to do.

Brian will be serving as an Associate Pastor for Christ the King Lutheran Church in Kingwood, Texas (a Northeast Suburb of Houston). However, Brian's role on staff is to begin a missionary movement in the city of Houston; connecting people through a network of house communities. None of it makes perfect sense yet, but we're following the leading of the Holy Spirit. As soon as the website goes live we'll let y'all know.

Thanks to all of you who have prayed for us over the past four years! Those prayers have kept us sane and healthy. It's our prayer that you would know more and more the grace of God found in Jesus.

For those of you waiting for pictures of the house, don't worry they will be up shortly. Below are a couple of pictures of Ordination. Enjoy.

A Friend Turned Pastor

It's been a journey...and one that I never want to forget. After four years, one looks back and wonders where the time has gone. No doubt...God has used the time to shape and to mold future pastors of His church. After four year, two of my dearest friends are being placed into the church as pastors...while I take the summer off to retreat and relax and to prepare for a move to Texas. I was privileged to see my dear friend Ryan ordained at his home church in Wisconsin. A Friend turned pastor...God's Peace RPM!