We met with Pastor Josh yesterday and we both were very happy with our time. His theology, mission, and vision are all biblical and he is very open to change and suggestions. It sounds like there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer, as with any church, and now we're praying about where God wants us. With our passion and experience it would be really easy to jump into youth ministry again, especially since this group is about the same size and makeup as our last two groups were, but we don't want to do it just because it's comfy. It would be amazing to be able to just be volunteers though.
Another thing that we were very happy to hear, is that the church is open to possibly integrating contemporary music into their existing service, or starting a new service, maybe in the evening. We would really like to see some of the college students in the area get involved with a church. We also learned about the Sunday school classes that the church offers. We're going to try out the "young" (mostly under age 50) couples class. I miss being in a small group, it feels like I'm missing a toe (was going to say leg, but I don't think it's that severe).
Abby also had a wonderful time in the pastor's office, as she always does when we are someplace new. She wandered around the office, pulling books off the shelf, poking the ceramic lion, spilling snacks EVERYWHERE, and trying to squeeze between the couch and coffee table. She's just not as small as she used to be, and I don't think she realizes that yet. On Tuesday she was digging through her "too small" clothes and found her old favorite shoes and brought them out for me to put on her. We tried and tried, but her little foot wouldn't fit and she just didn't understand. The same thing happened when we were trying on sandals today at the store. She insisted on jamming her foot into this tiny sandal, silly girl!
There are a few coming events that we're really looking forward to at church. The Saturday before Easter there is some sort of fun kid's day and I'm not sure, but I think there will be an Easter egg hunt, which should be very fun this year, with Abby at her current age. Then, on Easter Sunday, there will be a graveside sunrise service, breakfast, Sunday School, and church. I so miss the sunrise services that we used to be a part of when growing up. There was always something exciting about waking up while it was still dark, putting on warm, grubbyish clothes, and heading out into the cold to hear about Jesus! Breakfast always tasted so much better when we ate after such a celebration with family and friends. I'm excited about this Easter, because the church has a grave yard directly behind it, which is where the service will be. This is especially meaningful since the very first Easter took place in a grave :)
"They raise their voices, they shout for joy; from the west they acclaim the Lord's majesty. Therefore in the east give glory to the Lord; exalt the name of the Lord, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea. From the ends of the earth we hear singing: "Glory to the Righteous One."
-Isaiah 24:15-16
We are currently babysitting one of Abby's 9 month old friends and she just doesn't understand why he is taking a nap and she can't go in there with him. It's so tough being an almost two year old. 
