If you were able to join us for our Transforming Together Growth Campaign meeting this past weekend, you know the room was filled with faith, generosity, and a real sense of God moving among us. If you weren't able to make it, we want to make sure you're caught up on everything that was shared, because this involves all of us. We spent time looking back at our history, and it was a good reminder of how God has led us every step of the way. From a handful of teenagers meeting above a veterinarian clinic in 1971, to renting space at what's now Generation Dance Studio, to setting up and tearing down every Sunday at Dixon School, to finally landing at our current location and eventually adding the sanctuary we worship in today. Every single chapter began with people saying yes to God, trusting Him with what they had, and watching Him do more than anyone expected. And now we find ourselves in another one of those chapters. As many of you have experienced firsthand, our building is full. Dozens of visitors are walking through our doors every week, and they keep telling us the same thing: they feel loved, they feel welcomed, they feel like they've found a home. That's because of you. The way you greet people, introduce yourselves, and make room in your lives for others is a direct reflection of the heart of Jesus, and it's beautiful. So where are we headed? We have a vision to build a new 650-seat sanctuary that will extend from our existing space through the Destiny Room. Once funds are available, the current sanctuary will be repurposed for classrooms and a flexible gym/multipurpose space. The estimated cost for the new sanctuary is $2.5 million, furnished, including things like seating and a sound system. We also got to hear from Brad and Kaylin, who shared honestly about what it looked like for them to pray through their commitment as a couple. They talked about their different personalities, their different numbers, and the way God ultimately challenged them to commit to something bigger than either of them had initially considered. Their story was a real encouragement, and it reminded us that this process is Christ-forming work in itself. Tom Melazoni, who has spent 30 years helping churches walk through seasons like this, also shared some wisdom and challenged us with three simple ideas as we consider our giving: Do away with something for a season. Delay a purchase or a plan. Or do more, whether that's extra hours or a creative way to contribute. The point is that God works differently in every household, and the gift that counts is the one that comes from a cheerful heart. So where do things stand right now? We currently have $150,000 in cash on hand toward our first milestone of $400,000, which is what we need to pursue permits. And the Growth Campaign executive team, representing five households, has already committed $151,200 toward our second milestone of $1,000,000 in three-year commitments before we break ground. We're on our way. And every commitment, every gift, every prayer moves us forward together. On Palm Sunday, March 29, we'll be collecting commitment cards. So between now and then, we're asking every person and every household in our Upper Room family to take time to pray and ask God a simple question: "Lord, what do you want to do through me?" The amount you land on is between you and God. What we care about is the heart behind it. And if God leads you to give cheerfully, then give. That's all we're asking. You can give to the Growth Campaign here:https://onrealm.org/urfellowship/give/growthcampaign You can submit your commitment card here:https://onrealm.org/urfellowship/AddPledge/goalcard We love you, Upper Room. God has been faithful through every season of this church's life, and He's not stopping now. We get to be part of what He's doing, and we get to do it together. Transforming Together,Chris and the URF Leadership Team
