Currently, it is nice and cool in my office as I sit down to write this update. Behind me is a construction crew that is laboring on our new nave in near-triple- digit heat and humidity. This is significant for two reasons. First, building something is exciting, and second, these workers are longing for a new season. As construction continues on our new church building, we continue to build a new church congregation, Mission St. James. And just as we are looking forward to a new season with cooler weather, we are also looking forward to a new season in church planting: Preview Season.

Over the last year Mission St. James has grown. There have been many Sunday evenings at the Vailes’ home that have been packed with adults and children alike. Sometimes hosting over fifty people, with newcomers joining the mix, we are preparing to hold occasional public Preview Services! This has come much quicker than we had imagined and we have a lot of prep work ahead of us. In the coming weeks we will be looking for a meeting space, raising funds, getting the word out, training our people, and forming ministry teams. The work is well under way, but I am learning that the Body of Christ supplies what any one of its members lack. From musicians to administrators, from financial advisors to missional mentors, the Church, “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord” (Eph. 2:20-21).

Just as our new nave needs various materials, teams, workers, and vision to stand upon its foundation, Mission St. James and All Saints need the gifts, talents, and time of each member. We are excited to share more details and updates with you all this month. You are invited to attend our first Informational Meeting at All Saints on August 21, 2022 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us as we continue to carry out the Mission Abbey vision together.