This week, we celebrate a major milestone: The 23rd St. campus celebrates our first year as a congregation!  As I reflect on what God has done in and through our ministry in the Mission, I'm humbled by our growth, grateful for the increased opportunities to serve our neighbors in the city, and excited for what God will do in the coming years.

Before launch, when we were envisioning and praying for a second campus in the city, I remember praying, "Lord, if 100 people were a part of this campus in the first year, that would be an amazing start."  One year later, around 200 people gather to worship together every week!  And each Sunday, I meet at least one person who is new to City Church, many of whom are considering Christianity!

As we minister and worship in the Mission, many of our City Hope partners have become our neighbors, and are within walking distance of the 23rd St. campus.  God has grown our ability to welcome more people from these ministries into the life of the church!  It's a tremendous responsibility and a deep joy to minister and serve people in all walks of life, gathered together to meet the Living God, who knows us and meets each of us where we are, as we are. And it's happening before our eyes.

What will God do in the years to come? As I write, we're working on ways to be more welcoming, to serve the students and faculty of Horace Mann more deeply, and to equip the congregation to share our faith more authentically and effectively with our friends and neighbors. This is going to be an exciting year!

I'm grateful to minister in the incredibly vibrant and underserved Mission District, and to lead this missional movement of God's renewal in our beloved, beautiful and broken city.  And I'm thankful to do in community with you. Happy Birthday, Mission Campus!