There are times in life when you get so excited that you say, “Wow!” For me it’s when Tennessee scores a crucial touchdown on an incredible play or when I open a surprising gift on Christmas. There are other times in life where you say “wow” under your breath, after experiencing something that leaves you absolutely speechless. The Fountain UMC had the Official Launch Sunday on March 4, 2012 at 10:30AM. We sent out all the invitations, the space was prepared, the punch was ready for the party, and we were left to simply wait expectant on what God would do. On our Launch Sunday, I left the service saying the type of “wow” of one who has been left speechless. It would be the kind where you see the Rocky Mountains for the first time after talking about them your whole life and realizing it’s even more majestic in real life. I have always known that God has given us a huge vision at The Fountain, but our Launch Sunday made me realize that God is up to something really big here. We’re watching it happen in front of us. We’ve talked about it for so long, but there is nothing like seeing it for yourself. I am so humbled to be a part of this new church and thankful that God has allowed me to pastor a church that is going to change so many lives.
I watched that Sunday as people kept coming, and coming, and coming into the doors of Johns Creek Elementary School to worship at The Fountain UMC. Our parking lot team walked in starry-eyed as they informed me we only had a few parking spots left open in the main parking lot of the school. We had almost 170 people for our Official Launch. We also had over 40 first-time guests from the community! We started with 2 people in July with no church name, no structures, no launch team, and started out on a shoestring budget. After all the work and prayer, God left us saying “wow”.
I watched that Sunday as people kept coming, and coming, and coming into the doors of Johns Creek Elementary School to worship at The Fountain UMC. Our parking lot team walked in starry-eyed as they informed me we only had a few parking spots left open in the main parking lot of the school. We had almost 170 people for our Official Launch. We also had over 40 first-time guests from the community! We started with 2 people in July with no church name, no structures, no launch team, and started out on a shoestring budget. After all the work and prayer, God left us saying “wow”.
I preached a message from John 5 about Jesus being the Bread of Life who can satisfy us in ways that nothing else ever will. Jesus frees us from the bondage of always needing MORE and says to us, “Come to Me and I will be ENOUGH.” The District Superintendent of the Atlanta Roswell District, Ed Tomlinson gave a word of greeting about the excitement of him, Bishop Watson, and the entire UMC about what God is already doing through The Fountain. After the service, we enjoyed cake, inflatables for the kids, and had a great celebration of our opening Sunday. I love what God is building and I’m excited about the journey ahead.
