"Our new child has arrived"

On Sunday, January 31st I was privileged to be a part of the grand opening worship service for Chain of Lakes Church, PTCA’s New Church Development north of St. Paul. It was a wonderful service, their facility, a community center in Lino Lakes, was filled to overflowing. Musicians from Valley Presbyterian Church provided a beautiful instrumental prelude and offertory, and representatives from many Presbyterian Church throughout PTCA were recognized and thanked for their attendance.

 Chain of Lakes Pastor Paul Moore delivered an excellent sermon and a true feeling of celebration was felt by all in attendance. Of course Chain of Lakes Church could not have made it this far without the support and prayers of all our member churches and clergy of PTCA. You should all take pride in the birth of a new congregation within out midst. One of the phrases that Paul used in his sermon went something like this; “If we don’t give birth to new things, where are we headed? To extinction.” There are all kinds of reasons why starting new churches is a difficult task that causes worry in the hearts of some, all kinds of reasons to “postpone” new churches until a “better time.” But the fact is no perfect time exists, and to wait too long heads us down that road to extinction. Thanks to everyone in PTCA who has been involved with this new beginning, from those who gave substantial time and money to those who offered prayers.  Our new child has arrived and we can be very proud. Paul has great excitement for his ministry and it is off to a terrific start. May God continue to bless us all, but especially our newest member; Chain of Lakes Church.

Chaz Ruark is the Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area.

Category: Chaz Ruark's Blog, Executive Presbyter