Boston Partnership Newsletter

December 2007

In Today's Issue

:: Merry Christmas

:: December Baptisms

Dear Friends,

Native New Englanders have told us the past two winters have been on the mild side of things, not too much snow but still cold!  Well, this winter is kicking off to a grand start.  We had 3 days in the past 10 where we got at least 6 inches of snow (and the first snow was 10 inches!).  Needless to say the first day's snow didn't even get the chance to melt before more came.  So much of Boston is covered with a couple layers of snow and ice, which makes for good times when you have to walk to get where you need to go.  (The picture to the right gives you a little glimpse of Boston's first snowfall this winter.)

On a side note, a snow storm hit early two Sunday mornings ago and we weren't sure how bad it was going to be.  We made the decision to move ahead and still hold our regular gathering.  The hotel allowed us to unload our equipment a day early so we would have to fight the snow.  Sunday morning came and so did 6 inches of snow followed by sleet and rain.  Our team was not expecting much of a turn out, but to our surprise we had 106 people including a couple of 1st time visitors!  We were excited about seeing people come despite the fact that most had to walk through the winter weather to get there. Chalk that up to a perk of urban church planting!

No matter what the weather, we are excited to be here in New England, specifically Boston.  Thank you so much for partnering with us prayerfully and financially to plant REUNION in the city.  We could not do this without you. 

Merry Christmas,

Hank, Mike, Karen, Phil, and John

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas is here and it's hard to believe that this is our third Christmas season here in Boston.  It doesn't feel like we have been here for over two years.  

As 2007 comes to a close, we are looking forward to what 2008 brings.  As we prepare for a new year, would you pray about these few things?

1. We are transitioning to two services on January 27th.  

2.  We are developing a curriculum of classes that hopefully will challenge people in their journey as a Christ Follower.

3. We would love to see every Community Group involved in living out generosity within their local communities.

4. Lastly, please pray that our holiday travel may be safe and restful, as we visit family and friends.

December Baptisms

Katie was baptized by her Community Group leader Anisha.  Katie said in her testimony:

For those of you who know me I have always been a perfectionist and I think I have been waiting for the perfect time [to be baptized], a time when I am closest to God and doing everything right.  I have finally realized I do not need to be perfect and that I can not do anything on my own.  My imperfections are covered by grace and my shortcomings are met with forgiveness.  "But he said to me, "'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in [your] weakness'. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses".  2 Corinthians 12:9.  I want to be baptized today to glorify God!  

Laura was baptized by her Community Group leader Kate.  Laura said in her tesitimony:

I was hesitant about baptism because I never understood it, when I thought I did. I felt that I had to fix things in my life and let go of my past in order to move ahead and say "God, I'm ready!"  I realized that those are all things I need to lift up to God and accept his forgiveness and put my trust in Him.

I'm so thankful that God has brought me to Boston, to this community pf people and I am looking forward to seeing it grow, and to be a part of it.