Dear Grace Anglican Church,

I'm looking for individuals and households who are willing to make a financial sacrifice to see God's kingdom advance in another part of our city. I'm certain that many of you have heard me and others say that God is a missionary God and he sends his church on mission. You will likely be familiar with these words of Jesus:

This is just a small sampling of the texts in which Jesus clearly tells us what he wants to see happen in this world. I am inviting you to take him at his word and participate in what he is already doing.

This week, I was reflecting on the time when Mary of Bethany came to Jesus and broke the alabaster flask of expensive ointment, pouring it all over Jesus' head (see Mark 14:3 & John 12:1). That's a lot of strong-smelling ointment! When the disciples were indignant about this, Jesus explained her actions. "She has anointed my body beforehand for burial."  Jesus said he was going to die.  Her actions prepared him for that death.  Jesus said he came "to seek and save the lost."  Let us prepare for the lost to be found by him in a way similar to Mary's, with devotion and financial sacrifice.  

I am looking for some fellow members of our church who want to invest money to make this church plant a reality. The need for another Anglican church in our city is great. Here is a map of all the Anglican Churches around Jacksonville.

You'll notice the wide-open space going from Mandarin all the way to Crescent Beach. That is St. Johns County, which according to U.S. News and World Report, is the 8th fastest growing county in the United States. 

The Vestry, staff, and I have set a goal to raise $50,000 per year for the next five years from our own church members. On average, that will require about 42 households who are willing to give an additional $100/month above their current offering. Additionally, Lenny is expected to raise $40,000 on his own. Together, that will cover his salary and healthcare for his family. The other church planting costs will come from the Gulf Atlantic Diocese and contributions from the church planting team he assembles.

Sermon
In case you missed Lenny's sermon on church planting, you can download it here.

Video
You can also click here to watch Lenny and Caly discuss their sense of calling to this work.

If you would like to participate in this project, please email me your pledge. Then, starting in January, or sooner if you wish, make an additional gift to Grace Anglican Church, designating "church plant" on it.

The theme for our church this year is "Abundance for Others." This church plant is one tangible way of living into that theme. Please join us in making this vision a reality. At present, we are 20% of the way to our goal.