Published April 6, 2017
Grace Baptist Church, Batavia, New York
Corey
Ministry Highlights
Vertical Church Conference: We had the opportunity to attend a conference at The Chapel with worship workshops by Vertical Church Band and Paul Baloche. This was great in light of my recent involvement/oversight of the worship ministry here at Grace. It was a great investment for myself, the band members that attended, and the team as a whole.
Youth Seminars: Our group had a great time at Youth Seminars in Marilla, NY. It was an influential weekend for both our students and leaders. Pastor Jeff was the main speaker and completely knocked it out of the park. Many students shared testimonies of life change and a greater desire to live for the Lord. We even had one of our middle schoolers accept Christ as his savior! All in all, the weekend was a huge win!
Hockey Banquet: I had the opportunity to speak and pray at our team’s end of the year banquet. It was a great opportunity for me to demonstrate my faith, both in the things I said about players and simply talking to God in the opening prayer. It was also a great opportunity for Jaycee and I just to demonstrate our faith through our marriage/relationship. We sat at a table with the coaches, two of whom are single now due to divorce. Overall, that night was just a fun and easy way to demonstrate the reality of Christ in our lives, to people who desperately need Him.
Sharing the Gospel: I had the opportunity to share the gospel with Coach Guppenberger (aka “Gupp”) a few weeks ago. He had stopped by the church to drop something off and touch base with me. It turned into more of a spiritual conversation, his past experiences, thoughts, questions, etc. It then was a red carpet laid out for me to share the Truth with him, just as natural as could be in the flow of our conversation. He left saying that he really enjoyed our conversation and that he would “continue to chat with me about those things.”
Key Prayer Requests
Radiate: We are taking a group of teens down to “Radiate” at Clarks Summit University. Please pray that God uses these few days to do incredible things in the lives of teens. We want to see them be young people who are passionate about reaching their community and world for Christ.
Follow Up: Coach Guppenberger wants to connect again sometime soon. Please pray for the opportunity to follow up with the “sharing of the gospel” last time we met. Pray for the Spirit to start working in his heart and ultimately lead him to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ! Coach Gupp is planning on coming to church Easter Sunday. Please pray for Him!
Vote: At the end of April, the church will be voting on me transitioning from pastoral intern to associate pastor. Please pray for impeccable clarity as we excitedly look to our new chapter here at Grace.
Finishing Strong: April will be a very full month. Please pray for the strength and ability to wisely navigate all of the upcoming responsibilities for this month.
Prominent Lessons
Just because hockey season is over, that doesn’t mean that my ability to share the gospel with those individuals is over. I was blown away with how many spiritual/relational opportunities I have had with coaches and families since hockey has ended.
When the spiritual temperature of the youth group rises, make sure to capitalize on that growth/momentum. We had a great time recapping what God had done in our group at youth seminars. Each leader and student shared a testimony of what God had done in their life over the weekend and it created an extremely positive impression on our group.
There is nothing like a date night with your wife. A few weeks ago, Jaycee and I had our first “all alone” date night. We got dinner, saw a movie, and just enjoyed a few hours of being alone together. We love our son with every fiber of our being, but sometimes it is beyond valuable to just go out and spend some time together. Alone.
There are no substitutes for friendships with people who have genuine spiritual vitality. Jaycee and I have been blessed to have multiple friendships with individuals who encourage and challenge us in our spiritual walks.
Key Goals for the Next Month
Graduate! But seriously though… “Gotta get those projects in!” Submit projects 3 and 4.
Have a youth leader meeting in preparation for summer events by the end of the month.
Take three students out for lunch/breakfast over spring break.
Invite five people/families to Easter Sunday.
Jaycee
Ministry Highlights
Vertical Church Conference: we were able to attend workshops taught by the Vertical Church Band and Paul Baloche about worship and then afterwards stay for their concert and hear James McDonald Preach. It was a refreshing afternoon/night to worship together.
Family Appreciation Night: the pastor’s/pastors wives hosted a little “surprise” night for the congregation on a Sunday night with Pizza and desserts. It was a small way we could say thank you to the church body for their love and support of all of us and their constant generosity to us.
Youth Seminars: We had a great weekend at youth seminars! Corey taught a workshop and did great and the weekend in general had a big impact on our students and leaders who attended.
Bowling Night: There was an adult bowling get together that was a lot of fun. Corey and I kept track of all the scores and figured out the winners for the evening. It was nice to just spend time with different people from church.
Key Prayer Requests
Radiate Conference at Clarks Summit University: Pray for a great impact on our students who are attending and for me as I have Trevin with me.
Vote: Corey will get voted on at the end of the month to transition from pastoral intern to associate pastor.
Good Friday/Easter Sunday: Pray for the many unsaved individuals who will be attending these services.
Prominent Lessons
God provides the strength/encouragement I need as I continue to adjust to being a mom in ministry
God meets our needs as we searched for and purchased a new to us vehicle.
God centered friendships are such a blessing!
Key Goals for the Next Month
Have a new family over for dinner.
Continue to connect with our students.
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