God has done so much this past year.

God is going to do even more in the future.

Those are the two thoughts I’m carrying this week as we get ready to celebrate our one year anniversary as a church this Sunday, October 18^th. There’s something so healthy about looking back and celebrating God’s grace. And there’s something incredibly inspiring about knowing we’re just getting started and there’s so much more to come.

God has been so faithful this past year. Four community groups have multiplied into nine groups that connect over 115 people to biblical community. We’ve had the privilege of baptizing thirteen people. God has enabled us to create three different strategic partnership designed to bring restoration to our city and world. Our first international mission team is currently serving in East Africa. On top of all that, we’ve seen Jesus restore and change so many lives.

For all of that, I honestly believe we’re just getting started. God has so much more for us in the future – new communities to impact, new ways to make the gospel visible, new people to welcome into our community. There will be new challenges, new risks and new miracles. There will be new ways to lean into God’s provision and new victories to celebrate.

On Sunday, we want to celebrate like we always do – in song and by studying God’s Word. But we also want to celebrate by giving. So, there will be an additional opportunity to give beyond our normal weekly offering. Here’s what I’m most excited about: that additional opportunity doesn’t benefit Restoration City at all. It’s totally for the good of our city, our country and our world. Our giving is going to go towards supporting the work of Casa Chirilagua here in DC, flood relief in South Carolina and Syrian Refugees through Convoy of Hope.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate our anniversary as a church – by being reminded that our focus isn’t on ourselves, it’s on Jesus and his work in our world. We exist for the glory of Christ and the good of others.

So, come join us on Sunday. Come ready to worship in song, by studying God’s Word and by giving. I pray that our belief in the gospel will overflow in a wealth of generosity on Sunday (2 Cor. 8:2). I pray our generosity would be motivated by the tremendous generosity of Jesus, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9)

See you on Sunday, Restoration City!