I really never thought I would be excited about coming to work and seeing windows installed but I really was excited Monday when I noticed the crew was putting in the first pane of glass in the top windows. For some reason, that made the reality of the new sanctuary real for me this week. It is so exciting to see the visible and tangible progress of what God is building up here at First Church.
Greetings,
It wasn’t until late Saturday night I began to hear about the horrible events that took place in Charlottesville. I was a little more “unplugged” from the outside world than usual. I looked at my twitter feed that night and began to discern some of the events of the day by people’s reactions on Twitter.
"Toes above Nose". This is a phrase I have come to despise over the last 2 weeks. Those are the instructions the Dr. has given me since my Achilles Surgery. And, yes, despite the huge temptation to not obey his orders I have been mostly faithful.
In case you don't know what I'm talking about, the very short version is that my Achilles' tendon ruptured and I had surgery to repair it a couple weeks ago. This surgery and the recovery has been the icing on a very challenging summer cake for the Rambo family. But as I preached during my sermon before surgery, God's grace is sufficient in our weakness and our weakness sometimes reveals itself most in times of challenge.
So despite the challenges of a fire in our house, living in a hotel for over a month, and now a touch Achilles recovery; I can truly say the Rambo family can truly say how incredible God's grace is.
We have witnessed His grace through the outpouring of love from our family and friends. We have particularly been blessed by the prayers, food, and love from our incredible community at First Church.
How are we and what is next?
I can not wait to getting to preach again Sunday August 13th!! I dearly miss worshiping with the First Church Community and can not wait to return! Thank you all for being vessels of grace in our lives in such a special way the last month!
Grace and Peace,
Andy
Greetings First Church Family from your pastor in exile due to lack of power in the Rambo house after the storm. I have definitely found some irony as I prepare for Pentecost Sunday and Jesus tells the disciples to go and wait until they receive power. It’s become less and less easy to be patient as we see everybody around our home getting power still in the dark.
As I decided on my sermon scripture for this Sunday, I chose a passage I love to preach. I’m sure I’ve preached on it a few times over the years here. I’ll admit that I’m being a little selfish because this is the passage I really need to focus on and hear from this week.
“On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ”” (John 7:37–38, ESV)
After the re-construction of the Education building as well as the foundation and frame for the sanctuary was completed, the people of First Church once again were able to worship, to gather, and to serve with one another at the corner of Poplar and 2nd Ave. Rather than focus on what we did not have after the loss of the grand sanctuary, the people of First Church chose to commit what God had restored to whatever door of mission and ministry God would open.
During the last four years, we have been able to host a number of dynamic ministries to homeless and poor poor persons in Downtown Memphis.
Carpenter’s Table Food Pantry
Provides food for those working but still need help feeding their families. The Carpenter's table volunteers provide groceries for 150+ persons each year.
Room in the Inn:
We have leased for $0 the Carpenter’s Building to Room In The Inn Ministries. RITI uses the Building as a check-in and meeting place for the homeless persons who will be spending the evening in a host church. RITI also has plans to open a daytime hospitality center for homeless persons to shower and take care of essential needs.
Burrito Ministry
Organized primarily by volunteers with Iona ministries.
Provides a hot burrito meal for all in need.
Urban Bicycle Food Ministry
Gathers at First Church to prepare meals and deliver them, along with other small items, throughout the downtown area on bicycles.
Team Laeth
Organized by Volunteers with Team Laeth. Led by David and Sharon Mullins.
Provides a hot meal for all in need and offers various other items, including blankets, coats and socks, especially in the winter.
The people of First Church are 100% committed to making sure the building of a new sanctuary will in no way displace the various ministries currently using the foundation of the new sanctuary!!
