The Columbia Missourian’s faith blog mentioned us again.  Go here to read about our downtown location move.

Each of us looks for a cause. we long for something to fight for, something to share with others. Our God has a cause we can join. we may substitute other things, but we were made to champion his glory and to tell others about the person and work of Christ, his Son. when his creation failed, God didn’t give up on it. He has always been about restoring all things, and particularly people, to himself through mission. He uses His people to do this. God is on mission. So are we.

Yesterday was a fabulous first day.  It was amazing seeing so many great people come together in service to make it all happen.  We had our highest Sunday attendance ever.  We’re not obsessed with numbers at Karis, but we definitely want to include more people in our mission to see “The District” changed, and we want as many people as possible to hear about Jesus.  A random recap:

• The band was amazing.  I told several people yesterday that we have a band that is as good as churches of 5,000 or so would have.  And I am a musician with 10 plus years of experience in worship teams, so I know what I’m talking about.  Luke leads and does a great job of leading and picking out great songs (what a great first elder!).  We had Scott on the bass, Brady on the guitar, Bobby on the keys, and Michael on the violin.  And Jeff played drums for the first time this week and did fabulous.  They really gelled.
• I talked about Luke 8:22-25 with the theme, “Burn Your Plastic Jesus.”  This was intentionally a vision-casting sermon, and I just tried to lift up the name of Jesus and make it clear we were all about him at Karis.
• Susan launched “Karis Kids” and we had a great group of them.  I am thankful for her and her helpers she has put together.
• Jaylyn and Jeremy got the curtain hung, which did exactly what I hoped– separating the huge hall in half so that it was more cozy.  Just wait until they get Matt’s awesome design put on it.
• Chris is heading up the set-up team and things went smoothly.
• Jeanna’s connecting team handled the new crowd marvelously.
• Troy’s tech team handled everything with no problem (Grant, Brandon, etc.)
• Alex and Caleb came up from Meridian, and the fellowship with them was great.
• It was amazing seeing the big stream of people coming up for communion.
• In my book, “To Christ the Lord” is the best worship song, lyrically and musically, ever written.
• The Theatre is a beautiful facility, a gift of God to us.  It will be perfect for our church.
• Having said that, it pales in comparison to the beauty of Jesus.  I pray that He will be our focus.
• Rob Gaskin is the best assistant and friend a guy could ever have.  He did so much to make this all happen.  I am proud of him and thankful for him.  He is a gifted leader and a gift from God.

Join us next Sunday for Karis in the Theatre!

Check this out, and join us at the Theatre today at 10.

Each of us longs to be a part of a family where we know and are known, love and are loved. We weren’t made to be alone. God isn’t alone, and he never has been lonely—even before he made us. He has always existed in perfect community as Father, Son, and Spirit. We image that fellowship in God when we dwell in love with each other. And that basic human longing, to be a part of a community is met. Our God lives in community. We desire the same.

We’re beginning a three-part mini-series at Karis tomorrow called “A City Within A City.”  We’ll be looking at Luke 8:22-25, where Jesus calms the raging sea.  It is my prayer that we’ll see Jesus as big and glorious, and the Lord will use it to give our community a deeper passion for Him and for making Him known in our city.  Join us at 10 a.m. in the Missouri Theatre Center for the Arts tomorrow.

Check out today’s business section’s mention of the Mustard Seed (and Karis).  This is but one example of the fruit of a church striving to be “in the city… for the city.”

Each of us longs for something to celebrate. Every culture in every age has filled up this “God-shaped hole” with something. We do the same, whether it is with leisure or money or other humans. Our God made us for his glory—to worship him. Anything else we honor disrespects him and sells ourselves short. We all worship. Will it be him? He made us for his glory. We embrace this.

The site is still in the construction phase, but we’ll officially launch it on August 24th.  Shalom is a new ministry of Karis that will seek the good of our great city, Columbia, MO, and particularly the downtown “District.”  Spread the word and help us “seek shalom here and now.”