Well, it has been a long time coming, but this Sunday we break ground to put up a building of worship in the center of Collierville. It has truly been a long time coming, longer than I expected. Years ago, I think it was 2006, when we bought the land, our members went on the property to dedicate the land for use in spreading the fame of Jesus and seeing the broken things in the world put to rights. During that ceremony we dug some dirt, put it in small Glad sandwich bags with a zip lock seal and we all took that dirt home. We did that as a reminder, and a promise. It was sort of symbol to pray for the building process and that one day we would would walk back on that same property, which years before we had dedicated to the use of spreading God's fame, and we would return that dirt to the property when we turned dirt in earnest!
To be honest, I forgot about that dirt. In fact, it was not till a few months ago when we started the "Thriving" Generosity Initiative to raise money for this building that Rob Threkeld said to me, "You still got that dirt?" I said, "What dirt?" "You know, the dirt we all got when we dedicated the property years ago." "Oh, yea, I forgot. In fact I don't know what we did with ours, it is straight-up gone!"
Well, this Sunday we return. And when we do, if you have the dirt - bring it, you have held it in promise long enough. You want to know what to do with it? At our service, when we take our families up to take communion, there will be a chance for your family to walk by and break ground as well. As you do that, empty your dirt and remember the faithfulness of God to St. Patrick during the years when some of us thought we would never get to this place. If you have children, tell them the story as you are over the site with the shovels!
Oh, and good news for me! Someone had given me an extra bag of dirt. If you haven't seen them, they are not much, just a small bag with a quote from Lord of the Rings on it. So I did have one, but it was not really mine. About a hour ago, my bride Teri texted me with exclamation points and joy, "Found our dirt!"
Sunday, rain or shine, we will break ground with tears and great joy and we will give thanks as we hallow the feast!
Blessings,
