What started as an idea, a dream, a hope is closer to reality. Just about 6 years ago I had my first walk-about in Collingwood and thought "somebody should plant a church over here." 2 years ago we started prayer-walking in earnest in Collingwood and last year in April we launched our first series of worship gatherings and ministries. In August Donna and her family settled in across from Gaston Park. And now, this weekend I am pumped that we get to commission Daniel Louie as the church planter / pastor for The Urban Village Church. I hope you can join us at 7 PM at 5288 Joyce St., this Sunday 10th of February.
Last July I was sharing the vision for Collingwood with Dwight Huffman at the CCSB Annual Convention Meeting. We walked out into the hallway and he said, "Numbers 27; I am gonig to pray Numbers 27." Then we got interupted and the thought was left haning in the air and I was left to go look Numbers 27 up in the middle of the night. Well a first reading of Numbers 27 left me amused and then concerned… go check it out and you will see why. So the next week I emailed Dwight and after a series of cryptic emails we got down to the context and the specific verses.
Moses said to the LORD, "May the LORD, the God of spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who lead them out and bring them in, so the LORD’s people will not be like sheep without a shepherd." Numbers 27:15-17
Now that is awesome. And I have been praying it ever since. I believe God has done just that in calling Daniel into Collingwood. Some of you are aware that I don’t really believe the Church can or should be all the community a person has. Instead we are the church gathered in the context of communities and then scattered into communities as salt and light. It is the gift of leader, a shephered, who helps a congregation gather and be sufficiently equipped to be scattered without loosing their sense of who they are and who’s they are. I truly feel Daniel has these gifts.
Please join me in praying for Daniel and The Urban Village Church. As well if you are able to gather with us on Sunday for the celebration come on out.
